Is assuming - verb choice

Question

Is "assume" an appropriate verb to use in this sentence?

We all need to acknowledge the great importance science is assuming nowadays.

Answer 1

Yes, this is a perfectly appropriate and natural use of "assuming*.

See sense C2 in the Cambridge definition:

to take or begin to have responsibility or control, sometimes without the right to do so, or to begin to have a characteristic:

• The new president assumes office at midnight tonight.
• The terrorists assumed control of the plane and forced it to land in the desert.
  > * The issue has assumed considerable political proportions (= has become a big political problem).