Main Entry:

as·sert

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈsərt, a-\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join — more at series

Date:

circa 1604

1: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively2 a: to demonstrate the existence of <assert his manhood — James Joyce> b: posit, postulate

— assert oneself

: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights

synonyms assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence <asserted that modern music is just noise>. declare stresses open or public statement <declared her support for the candidate>. affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed the existence of an afterlife>. protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt <protested that he really had been misquoted>. avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared <avowed that all investors would be repaid in full>.

synonyms see in addition maintain