Words
assume vs expect — guessing it vs counting on it
A side-by-side comparison of meaning, examples, and nuance.
assume
/əˈsuːm/
suppose, take for granted
To accept something as true without proof.
expect
/ɪkˈspekt/
anticipate, look forward to
To think that something will happen.
Core difference
Use "assume" when you guess something without proof: "I assumed you were busy." Use "expect" when you actually count on it happening: "I expect a call at 3 PM." Guessing → assume; counting on it → expect.
Translations of assume and expect in 14 languages
| Language | assume | expect |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | 추측하다, (당연히) 여기다 | 기대하다, 예상하다 |
| English | suppose, take for granted | anticipate, look forward to |
| 简体中文 | 假设，认为 | 期待，预期 |
| 繁體中文 | 假設，認為 | 期待，預期 |
| 日本語 | 推測する、思い込む | 期待する、予想する |
| Tiếng Việt | cho rằng, giả định | mong đợi, kỳ vọng |
| Português | supor, presumir | esperar, prever |
| Français | supposer, présumer | s’attendre à |
| Deutsch | annehmen, voraussetzen | erwarten |
| Español | suponer, dar por sentado | esperar |
| Монгол | таамаглах, эргэлзэлгүй бодох | хүлээх, найдах |
| Bahasa Indonesia | menganggap, mengasumsikan | mengharapkan, memperkirakan |
| Bahasa Melayu | menganggap, mengandaikan | mengharapkan, menjangkakan |
| ไทย | สันนิษฐาน, คาดเดา | คาดหวัง, คาดการณ์ |
Master English with Smoveth
Learn this word with AI images and remember it with science-backed review.
AI image learning
Remember intuitively with an AI-generated image for each word.
SRS smart review
Move vocabulary into long-term memory with spaced repetition.
Random word practice
Practice freely with level-based random words.
"I used to struggle with English, but it's amazing to gradually start understanding" — L*J
Save up to 500 words/sentences for free + AI generation credits