Subsume vs. Assume — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Subsume involves including or placing a specific instance under a broader category, while assume entails accepting something as true without proof.
Difference Between Subsume and Assume
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Subsume is typically used in logical and hierarchical contexts, where a particular case or instance is regarded as part of a larger, general category; while assume often implies taking something for granted or accepting it as true without verification or evidence.
Subsume requires a relationship of inclusion, where the included item clearly fits within a defined broader group, whereas assume does not necessarily relate to inclusion but to a belief or acceptance that may not be substantiated.
In practice, to subsume might mean categorizing a specific type of behavior as part of a broader psychological theory, while to assume could involve believing a behavior has a certain motive without direct evidence.
Subsume is often used in academic and formal writings to discuss concepts or classifications, whereas assume is more broadly used in everyday language and can apply to thoughts, ideas, or hypotheses without the need for empirical backing.
The process of subsuming does not require one to question the broader category’s validity; it simply adds more instances to it. On the other hand, assuming something often leads to conclusions or actions based on the assumption’s perceived truth.
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Structured Comparison Table
Comparison Chart
Definition
To include or incorporate under a group
To accept something as true without proof
Usage Context
More formal, academic
Broad, including everyday situations
Relation
Inclusion in a category
Belief or acceptance
Evidence Requirement
Not required for the act of subsuming
Often lacks empirical evidence
Common Fields
Logic, taxonomy, philosophy
General discourse, hypothesis formation
Compare with Definitions
Subsume
To include something within a larger group.
Lions are subsumed under the category of big cats.
Assume
To take for granted without proof.
He assumed the car would start but never checked the battery.
Subsume
To categorize smaller elements within a larger framework.
These symptoms are subsumed under the diagnosis of influenza.
Assume
To adopt a particular role or position.
She assumed leadership of the project smoothly.
Subsume
To absorb or assimilate into a larger entity.
Local laws are often subsumed under national laws.
Assume
To begin to have a characteristic, quality, or appearance.
The night assumed a eerie quiet as the fog rolled in.
Subsume
To bring specifics into general conclusions.
All individual grievances were subsumed in the final report.
Assume
To pretend to have or affect a particular manner.
He assumed an air of confidence despite feeling nervous.
Subsume
To consider an instance as part of a broader rule.
This case of fraud is subsumed under federal regulation.
Assume
To take up a responsibility or duty.
He assumed responsibility for the errors in the report.
Subsume
Consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle
Assume
To take for granted; suppose
The study assumes that prices will rise.
Subsume
Include or absorb (something) in something else
Most of these phenomena can be subsumed under two broad categories
Assume
To take upon oneself (a duty or obligation)
Assume responsibility.
Assume another's debts.
Subsume
To classify or include in a more comprehensive category or under a general principle
"When late eighteenth-century Americans spoke of politics, they referred to a broad set of principles that they subsumed under the heading of republicanism" (Eric Foner).
Assume
To undertake the duties of (an office)
Assumed the presidency.
Subsume
To absorb (something) into or cause (something) to be overshadowed by something else
"The moment's regret was subsumed in the needs of the next moment" (Diana Gabaldon).
Assume
To take on (an appearance, role, or form, for example); adopt
"The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
Subsume
To place (any one cognition) under another as belonging to it; to include or contain something else.
Assume
To pretend to have; feign
Assume an air of authority.
Subsume
To consider an occurrence as part of a principle or rule; to colligate
Assume
To take over without justification; seize
Assume control.
Subsume
To take up into or under, as individual under species, species under genus, or particular under universal; to place (any one cognition) under another as belonging to it; to include under something else.
To subsume one proposition under another.
A principle under which one might subsume men's most strenuous efforts after righteousness.
Assume
To clothe oneself in; don
The queen assumed a velvet robe.
Subsume
Contain or include;
This new system subsumes the old one
Assume
To take up or receive into heaven.
Assume
To make a supposition; suppose or believe
"Is Kay's husband coming to dinner too?" "I assume so.".
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.
Assume
To take on a position, duty or form
Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
Assume
To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
He assumed an air of indifference
Assume
To receive, adopt (a person)
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
What does it mean to subsume something?
To subsume means to include or absorb something into a larger group or category.
How does subsume relate to classification?
Subsume is directly related to classification as it involves placing specific instances under general categories.
Can you assume something is true?
Yes, to assume something means to accept it as true without requiring proof.
Is subsume used in everyday conversation?
Subsume is less common in casual discourse and more frequently used in formal or academic contexts.
How can assuming affect decision making?
Assuming can bias decision making by leading one to make choices based on unverified beliefs.
Are assumptions always incorrect?
Not always, but assumptions lack the certainty that comes from verified information.
What is a common misconception about assuming?
A common misconception is that assumptions are harmless, whereas they can often lead to significant errors or problems.
What are examples of assumptions in everyday life?
Common assumptions include expecting someone to understand an indirect hint or believing the weather will remain constant throughout the day.
What's the danger of assuming?
Assuming can lead to misunderstandings or errors if the assumed facts are not actually true.
When is it appropriate to use subsume?
It is appropriate to use subsume when discussing topics that involve categorizing specific cases into broader groups.
Can a person be subsumed into a category?
Yes, in a figurative sense, people can be subsumed into categories based on characteristics like profession or behavior.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
