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Glite Dictionary
to assume the position

to assume the position

6 7.6
To stand or sit as someone in charge orders
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : adoptar la posición
  • The drill sergeant ordered the recruits to assume the position for inspection.
  • now assume the position

He says that they can come down and assume the position immediately.

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Examples

Synonyms

to stand
vsto assume the position
∞ 1.0

To be or put something in an upright position

is used when a body position is taken because of an official order
to pose
vsto assume the position
109 3.8

To hold a position for a picture

is used when a position is assumed under orders rather than for art
to take up
vsto assume the position
19 3.2

To move into a position or place for duty

is used when a position is taken because someone in authority orders it
to posture
vsto assume the position
1 4.3

To hold your body in a particular position for a picture

is used when a position is required by authority for safety or inspection

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to disobey
126 3.7

To refuse to follow rules or orders from someone in charge

How Formal

to stand at attention
  • Formal
9 4.2
to assume the position
6 7.6
to stand
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

assume the position infinitive
assumed the position past
assumed the position past participle
assuming the position present participle
assumes the position third person singular

Morphology

assume + the + position

The meaning 'to take a particular stance or posture' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'assume' (to take on) with 'position' (a posture or arrangement); the article 'the' does not change the compositional meaning. This verb + noun composition is a common, literal pattern in English (and across languages), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Assume the position comes from commands by soldiers and police who told people to assume a position, meaning to take a fixed posture for a check or search. So today it means 'to take a particular stance or posture when ordered by someone in authority'.