rest on the assumption

/rest ɒn ði əˈsʌmpʃən/ · rest on thee uh-SUMP-shunpremise-dependence phrase

Depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

Use rest on the assumption to express this relationship precisely: depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

What rest on the assumption Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

Example

The estimate rests on the assumption that the sample is representative.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

The argument rests on the assumption that prices reflect scarcity.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

Both reconstructions rest on the assumption that the records are complete.

Use rest on the assumption Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The estimate rests on the assumption that the sample is representative.

The argument rests on the assumption that prices reflect scarcity.

Both reconstructions rest on the assumption that the records are complete.

Precision Matters

Rest on the assumption overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

rest on the assumption

Means depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

vs.
be predicated on

Means be based or founded on a premise, condition, or assumption.

rest on the assumption

Means depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

vs.
hinge on

Means depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.

rest on the assumption

Means depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

vs.
on the basis of

Means using the stated evidence, reason, criterion, or foundation for a judgment.

rest on the assumption

Means depend on an unproved or unstated premise for a conclusion to hold.

vs.
raise the possibility that

Means suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.

Test rest on the assumption in Context

The prediction depends on a premise that has not itself been established.

1

The model's prediction appears to ___ that migration rates remain constant.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
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