Meaning & Definition of word "Assert"

Assert

/əˈsɜrt/

verb:

  • 1. To state or express firmly.
    • Example: The lawyer will assert her client's innocence in court.
  • 2. To maintain or defend a position or claim.
    • Example: He tried to assert his authority as the team leader.
  • 3. To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
    • Example: The scientist asserted that her research was groundbreaking.
  • 4. To demonstrate or affirm the existence or presence of something.
    • Example: She needed to assert her independence from her parents.

Etymology

From Latin 'assertus', past participle of 'asserere', meaning 'to claim, to maintain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

assert one's rights:

To claim or defend one's legal entitlements.

assert oneself:

To take action to make one's wishes known or to take control of a situation.

assert a position:

To state or uphold a certain viewpoint in discussions or arguments.

Related Words

assertion:

A confident statement or declaration.

assertive:

Having a strong or confident personality.

assertiveness:

The quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.

Slang Meanings of assert

Meaning: To back up one's claims.

Example Sentence: If you say that, you'd better assert it.

Meaning: To stand one's ground in an argument.

Example Sentence: She really asserted her point during the debate.