Assert

Definition

Assert means to state or declare confidently and forcefully. It can also mean to maintain or defend a position or opinion. Asserting often implies a strong conviction in what is being claimed.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈsɜːrt/
• Respelling: uh-SURT

Etymology

The word "assert" originates from the Latin "assertus," the past participle of "asserere," meaning "to claim" or "affirm." This term is composed of "ad-" (to) and "serere" (to join), reflecting a confident joining or affirming of one’s statement.

Derivatives

• Assertion (noun)
• Assertive (adjective)
• Assertively (adverb)
• Assertiveness (noun)
• Reassert (verb)

Synonyms

• Declare
• Affirm
• Proclaim

Antonyms

• Deny
• Question
• Withdraw

Usage

The verb "assert" is commonly used when someone confidently expresses a belief, opinion, or fact. For instance, "She asserted her right to speak." It is also often applied in legal, political, and social contexts where claims or rights are stated strongly, as in "The lawyer asserted his client’s innocence."

Related Terms

• Declare: To announce or state emphatically.
• Affirm: To confirm or assert positively.
• Maintain: To uphold or continue a position or stance.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To state or express confidently: Used when making a confident or forceful declaration.
  • Example: "He asserted his opinion during the debate."
• To uphold or defend a claim or right: Implies maintaining or defending one’s rights or position strongly.
  • Example: "The citizens asserted their right to free speech."