assumptions
Taken for granted
Assumptions are things accepted as true without proof, serving as starting points for reasoning or action.
When you make an assumption, you take something for granted—sometimes reasonably, sometimes not.
The budget was based on the assumption that sales would increase.
In logic and mathematics, assumptions are premises from which conclusions follow.
The word often carries a note of caution: unchecked assumptions can lead to faulty conclusions or embarrassing mistakes.
Don't make assumptions about what people want—just ask them.
Implicit prior assumption
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
- suppositionBelief without proof
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- preconceptionBelief formed beforehand
notion · conviction · understanding · mindset · worldview · taken-for-granted · baseline · default
Explanatory set of principles
- postulateAssumed starting point
- propositionStatement expressing a judgment
- conjectureGuess from limited facts
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
model · framework · tentative · provisional · testable · falsifiable · scientific · theoretical
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
- preconceivedFormed beforehand, without basis
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
- implicitUnderstood without being stated
confirmation · cognitive · partiality · predisposition · slant · leaning · favoritism · loaded
Conclusion from premises
- conclusionEnd or deduction
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
logical · induction · interpretation · leap · inferential · derivation · corollary · syllogism
Excessive self-importance
- audacityBrazen, reckless daring
- overconfidenceUnjustified certainty in oneself
- hubrisRuinous excessive confidence
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
impertinence · nerve · gall · temerity · cheek · effrontery · forwardness · liberty
Near but inexact value
- guessEstimate without certainty
- ballparkSports venue or estimate
- roughUneven in surface
- estimateInformed guess at quantity
guesstimate · projection · forecast · rule-of-thumb · back-of-envelope · rounding · calculation · planning
presupposition
Implicit prior assumption
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
- suppositionBelief without proof
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
preconception · notion · conviction · understanding · mindset · worldview · taken-for-granted · baseline · default · accepted
theory
Explanatory set of principles
- postulateAssumed starting point
- propositionStatement expressing a judgment
- conjectureGuess from limited facts
premise · model · framework · tentative · provisional · testable · falsifiable · scientific · theoretical · speculative
prejudice
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
- preconceivedFormed beforehand, without basis
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
implicit · confirmation · cognitive · partiality · predisposition · slant · leaning · favoritism · loaded · one-sided
deduction
Conclusion from premises
- conclusionEnd or deduction
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
implication · logical · induction · interpretation · leap · inferential · derivation · corollary · syllogism · judgment
arrogance
Excessive self-importance
- audacityBrazen, reckless daring
- overconfidenceUnjustified certainty in oneself
- hubrisRuinous excessive confidence
boldness · impertinence · nerve · gall · temerity · cheek · effrontery · forwardness · liberty · entitlement
approximation
Near but inexact value
estimate · guesstimate · projection · forecast · rule-of-thumb · back-of-envelope · rounding · calculation · planning · budgetary
- Strategic Planningcontingency plan, contingency plans, forecasting, roadmap, decision tree
- inner lifeidentity, feelings, memory, thoughts, self-discovery
- business planexecutive summary, financial projections, market analysis, business model, mission statement
- logic termsif, then, valid, premises, and
- thinking habitsoverthinking, rumination, catastrophizing, negative thinking, positive thinking
- internalized beliefsvalues, beliefs, morals, attitudes, worldview
assumptionsfacts
Verifiable pieces of truth
certainties · evidence · proof · realities · truths
assumptionsconclusions
Judgments reached through reasoning
inferences · deductions · findings · determinations · discoveries
assumptionscritical analysis
Evaluative examination of work
skeptical inquiry · questioning · investigation · verification · scrutiny
- false assumptionIncorrect foundational belief
- wrong assumptionBelief that proves false
- working assumptions
- assumption of riskLegal consent to danger
- questioning assumptionsExamining unexamined beliefs
- erroneous assumptionIncorrect belief underlying reasoning