assume vs suppose

   Share on Facebook  
Tung Quoc  #288517  Thu, 02 Nov 06 05:55 AM

Do assume and suppose have the same meaning and interchangeable? If not, what is the difference in meaning btw them?

Quoc

  
Top 75 Contributor
Joined on Sun, Sep 17 2006
Regular Member (870)
Anonymous  #290061  Tue, 07 Nov 06 02:43 AM

When used in conversation, I think that 'assume' a little more forceful, and a little more formal; and 'suppose' is a little more gentle and informal. 

For example: imagine two friends are trying to sneak into a bar with fake identification cards.  One might say to the other, in a friendly, conspiratorial way: 'Do you suppose we'll get past the doorman with these fake I.Ds?'  However,  'Do you assume we'll get past the doorman with these fake I.Ds?' suggests some arrogance and annoyance.

  
Marius Hancu  #290078  Tue, 07 Nov 06 03:55 AM
They are the same only in the meaning 5 here:

assume
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/assume

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006
Montreal, Canada
Veteran Member (11,673)
Proficient Speaker
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service