verb

assumer

take responsibility

Accepter une situation ou une responsabilité et agir sans fuir ou cacher ce qui se passe.

The French verb "assumer" primarily means "to assume" in the sense of taking responsibility for something, accepting or owning up to a decision, action, or situation.

Meanings and usage:

  1. To take responsibility or accept:
    Example: Il doit assumer ses erreurs.
    (He must take responsibility for his mistakes.)

  2. To accept or embrace something about oneself:
    Example: Elle assume pleinement sa personnalité.
    (She fully embraces her personality.)

  3. To undertake a role or task:
    Example: Il assume le poste de directeur.
    (He takes on the role of director.)


Differences between synonyms:

  • prend la responsabilité (takes responsibility): General phrase equivalent to "assumer" but more literal; used broadly.
  • accepter (to accept): Broader; can mean to receive or agree with something but doesn’t always imply responsibility.
  • endosser (to put on or shoulder): Often used figuratively for assuming responsibility, similar to "assumer," but can feel heavier or more formal.
  • supporter (to endure or bear): Implies tolerating consequences rather than actively accepting or owning something.

In short, "assumer" conveys an active acceptance and ownership, both of external responsibilities and internal qualities. It’s an important word in contexts of accountability and self-acceptance.

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Examples

Parfois, il faut assumer les choix que l'on fait.verb

Sometimes, you have to take responsibility for the choices you make.

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