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ASSUME.

Synonyms:

accept, arrogate, postulate, put on,
affect, claim, presume, take,
appropriate, feign, pretend, usurp.

The distinctive idea of _assume_ is to _take_ by one's own independent
volition, whether well or ill, rightfully or wrongfully. One may
_accept_ an obligation or _assume_ an authority that properly belongs to
him, or he may _assume_ an obligation or indebtedness that could not be
required of him. He may _assume_ authority or office that is his right;
if he _assumes_ what does not belong to him, he is said to _arrogate_ or
_usurp_ it. A man may _usurp_ the substance of power in the most
unpretending way; what he _arrogates_ to himself he _assumes_ with a
haughty and overbearing manner. One _assumes_ the robes or insignia of
office by _putting_ them _on_, with or without right. If he _takes_ to
himself the credit and appearance of qualities he does not possess, he
is said to _affect_ or _feign_, or to _pretend_ to, the character he
thus _assumes_. What a debater _postulates_ he openly states and _takes_
for granted without proof; what he _assumes_ he may take for granted
without mention. A favorite trick of the sophist is quietly to _assume_
as true what would at once be challenged if expressly stated. What a man
_claims_ he asserts his right to _take_; what he _assumes_ he _takes_.

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ASSURANCE.

Synonyms:

arrogance, boldness, impudence, self-confidence,
assertion, confidence, presumption, self-reliance,
assumption, effrontery, self-assertion, trust.

_Assurance_ may have the good sense of a high, sustained _confidence_
and _trust_; as, the saint's _assurance_ of heaven. _Confidence_ is
founded upon reasons; _assurance_ is largely a matter of feeling. In the
bad sense, _assurance_ is a vicious courage, with belief of one's
ability to outwit or defy others; the hardened criminal is remarkable
for habitual _assurance_. For the calm conviction of one's own rectitude
and ability, _self-confidence_ is a better word than _assurance_;
_self-reliance_ expresses confidence in one's own resources,
independently of others' aid. In the bad sense _assurance_ is less gross
than _impudence_, which is (according to its etymology) a shameless
_boldness_. _Assurance_ is in act or manner; _impudence_ may be in
speech. _Effrontery_ is _impudence_ defiantly displayed. Compare