Assume vs. Surmise — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Assume involves accepting something as true without proof, while surmise entails deducing or inferring based on incomplete evidence.
Difference Between Assume and Surmise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To assume means to take something for granted as true, without needing evidence or proof to back it up. Whereas, to surmise means to guess something based on available evidence, even if that evidence is not complete.
When you assume, you do so without any evidence, which often involves a degree of risk or presumption. On the other hand, surmising involves some level of reasoning or observation, albeit with gaps in the complete picture.
Assumptions are often used as a basis for further reasoning or decision-making in everyday and professional contexts. Surmise, however, is typically used in situations where information is limited but some educated guessing is possible.
In logical or critical thinking, assuming can sometimes lead to errors if the assumptions are incorrect. Whereas, surmising allows for flexibility and adjustment as more evidence becomes available.
Assume often carries a more authoritative or definitive tone, suggesting a decision or belief is settled. Surmise implies a more tentative stance, open to revision as more information emerges.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Accepting something as true without proof
Inferring something based on incomplete evidence
Basis of reasoning
No evidence required
Some evidence, though incomplete
Usage in speech
More definitive and certain
More speculative and uncertain
Risk of error
Higher, due to lack of evidence
Lower, allows for adjustments
Common contexts
Everyday decisions, formal arguments
Investigative contexts, literature
Compare with Definitions
Assume
To accept a fact without proof.
She assumed they would arrive by 9 without confirming.
Surmise
To suppose something is true without having evidence to confirm it.
They surmised that the ancient site dated back to 3000 BC.
Assume
To take on a particular role or responsibility.
He assumed the role of CEO last month.
Surmise
To make a conjecture or a guess.
She surmised that he would not come today because of the weather.
Assume
To begin to have a characteristic, quality, or appearance.
The sky assumed a crimson hue at dusk.
Surmise
To deduce or conclude information from incomplete evidence.
From the tracks, he surmised that a deer had passed by.
Assume
To take for granted as the basis for argument.
The theory assumes that prices rise as demand increases.
Surmise
To think or infer without certain or strong evidence.
He surmised that she was not interested in the proposal.
Assume
To adopt a particular expression or manner.
He assumed an air of indifference.
Surmise
To guess or hypothesize thoughtfully.
The detective surmised the culprit’s motive with little direct evidence.
Assume
To take for granted; suppose
The study assumes that prices will rise.
Surmise
To make a judgment about (something) without sufficient evidence; guess
"In another pocket he came across what he surmised in the dark were pennies, erroneously, however, as it turned out" (James Joyce).
Assume
To take upon oneself (a duty or obligation)
Assume responsibility.
Assume another's debts.
Surmise
To say (something) as a guess or conjecture.
Assume
To undertake the duties of (an office)
Assumed the presidency.
Surmise
To make a guess or conjecture.
Assume
To take on (an appearance, role, or form, for example); adopt
"The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
Surmise
An idea or opinion based on insufficiently conclusive evidence; a conjecture.
Assume
To pretend to have; feign
Assume an air of authority.
Surmise
Thought, imagination, or conjecture, which may be based upon feeble or scanty evidence; suspicion; guess.
Surmises of jealousy or of envy
This opinion, however, is merely a surmise, which may or may not be the case.
Assume
To take over without justification; seize
Assume control.
Surmise
Reflection; thought; posit.
Assume
To clothe oneself in; don
The queen assumed a velvet robe.
Surmise
To imagine or suspect; to conjecture; to posit with contestable premises.
If, as I surmise, you see the ladies this evening, you might mention my intended visit.
Assume
To take up or receive into heaven.
Surmise
A thought, imagination, or conjecture, which is based upon feeble or scanty evidence; suspicion; guess; as, the surmisses of jealousy or of envy.
[We] double honor gainFrom his surmise proved false.
No man ought to be charged with principles he actually disowns, unless his practicies contradict his profession; not upon small surmises.
Assume
To make a supposition; suppose or believe
"Is Kay's husband coming to dinner too?" "I assume so.".
Surmise
Reflection; thought.
Assume
To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof
We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
Surmise
To imagine without certain knowledge; to infer on slight grounds; to suppose, conjecture, or suspect; to guess.
It wafted nearer yet, and then she knewThat what before she but surmised, was true.
This change was not wrought by altering the form or position of the earth, as was surmised by a very learned man, but by dissolving it.
Assume
To take on a position, duty or form
Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
Surmise
A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
Assume
To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
He assumed an air of indifference
Surmise
Infer from incomplete evidence
Assume
To receive, adopt (a person)
Surmise
Imagine to be the case or true or probable;
I suspect he is a fugitive
I surmised that the butler did it
Assume
To adopt (an idea or cause)
Assume
To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
The god assumed his native form again.
Assume
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles.
Assume
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
Assume
To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
Assume
To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
Assume
To undertake, as by a promise.
Assume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
Assume
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
When will the new President assume office?
Assume
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Assume
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
Assume
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
Assume
Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
He usurped my rights
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
Assume
Make a pretence of;
She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
He feigned sleep
Assume
Christianity, obsolete; take up someone's soul into heaven;
This is the day when May was assumed into heaven
Assume
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
Common Curiosities
When should one use assume versus surmise in conversation?
Use assume when you are confident without needing proof, and surmise when you are forming an opinion based on partial evidence.
What does it mean to assume something?
To assume means to accept something as true without requiring proof or evidence.
Can assuming lead to errors?
Yes, assuming can lead to errors because it does not rely on factual evidence.
Is surmising a reliable way to make conclusions?
Surmising can be unreliable as it is based on incomplete evidence, but it is often the best option when full information is not available.
How does surmise differ from assume?
Surmise involves making educated guesses based on incomplete information, unlike assume, which does not rely on evidence.
What is the origin of the word "surmise"?
"Surmise" originates from the Middle French "surmis," which is the past participle of "surmettre," meaning to accuse or infer.
How does the level of certainty compare between assuming and surmising?
Assuming often implies a higher level of certainty, as it does not require evidence, whereas surmising suggests a lower level of certainty, reliant on partial evidence.
In what types of writing is it better to use "assume"?
"Assume" is often used in more formal writing and arguments where a foundational belief or premise needs to be established without proof.
Can "assume" and "surmise" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, "assume" and "surmise" have different connotations and should be chosen based on whether the context requires certainty or speculation.
Is it possible to prove a surmise?
A surmise can sometimes be proven if additional information is obtained that supports or confirms the initial inference.
What is the origin of the word "assume"?
The word "assume" comes from the Latin word "assumere," which means to take up or adopt.
In what types of writing is "surmise" more appropriate?
"Surmise" is more suitable in literary or speculative contexts where conclusions are drawn from ambiguous or incomplete evidence.
What are some synonyms for "assume"?
Some synonyms for "assume" include presume, suppose, take for granted, and presuppose.
How should one handle situations where assumptions prove incorrect?
It is important to reassess and revise assumptions when they prove incorrect, often by seeking more accurate information or adopting a different approach based on new evidence.
What are some synonyms for "surmise"?
Synonyms for "surmise" include conjecture, speculate, infer, and hypothesize.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
