All 12 Uses of
assume
in
Great Expectations
- When I was old enough, I was to be apprenticed to Joe, and until I could assume that dignity I was not to be what Mrs. Joe called "Pompeyed," or (as I render it) pampered.
Chpt 7 (definition 1)assume = take on
- I looked as grateful as any boy possibly could, who was wholly uninformed why he ought to assume that expression.
Chpt 7 (definition 1)
- For a moment, with the fear of my sister's working me before my eyes, I had a desperate idea of starting round the room in the assumed character of Mr. Pumblechook's chaise-cart.
Chpt 8 (definition 1)assumed = took on or adopted
- Mr. Camilla interposing, as Mrs. Camilla laid her hand upon her heaving bosom, that lady assumed an unnatural fortitude of manner which I supposed to be expressive of an intention to drop and choke when out of view, and kissing her hand to Miss Havisham, was escorted forth.
Chpt 11 (definition 1)
- Her countenance immediately assumed a knitted and intent expression as if she had been reading for a week, but before she could have read half a dozen lines, she fixed her eyes upon me, and said, "I hope your mamma is quite well?"
Chpt 22 (definition 1)
- However, I came into town on the Monday night to be ready for Joe, and I got up early in the morning, and caused the sitting-room and breakfast-table to assume their most splendid appearance.
Chpt 27 (definition 1)assume = take on
- You assumed some name, I suppose, on board ship?
Chpt 40 (definition 1) *assumed = took on a false
- It was with considerable difficulty that I won him over to the assumption of a dress more like a prosperous farmer's; and we arranged that he should cut his hair close, and wear a little powder.
Chpt 40 (definition 1)assumption = something taken on or adopted
- "This is very curious!" said I, with the best assumption I could put on of its being nothing more to me.
Chpt 47 (definition 1)
- As to this case, if you will have scratches, we say that, for anything we know, you may have accounted for them, assuming for the sake of argument that you have not invented them?
Chpt 48 (definition 2) *assuming = accepting as true (without proof)
- Mrs. Wemmick, more heedful of the future, put her white gloves in her pocket and assumed her green.†
Chpt 55 (definition 2)
- Within a month, I had quitted England, and within two months I was clerk to Clarriker and Co., and within four months I assumed my first undivided responsibility.
Chpt 58 (definition 3) *assumed = took on (power or responsibility)
Definitions:
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(1) (assume as in: She assumed a false identity) to take on (adopt, wear, strike a pose or appearance of) -- often while pretending or disguising
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(2) (assume as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof
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(3) (assume as in: She assumed power) beginning to take power or responsibility