Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

assert

/əˈsɝt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.62 in modern English

Syllables: as-sert
IPA: /əˈsɝt/

6

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.

verb

To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.

verb

To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to.

verb

To insist on the legitimacy of one's rights, opinion, etc; not to allow oneself to be dismissed; to ensure that one is taken into consideration; to make oneself respected; to be assertive. See assert oneself.

verb

To declare that a condition or expression must be true at a certain point in the source code (in some cases causing the program to fail if it is not, as a safeguard).

verb

To set a signal on a line using a voltage or electric current.

noun

Synonym of assertion.

Example Sentences

"Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know."
"He would often assert that there was life on other planets."
"to assert one's authority"
"Salman Rushdie has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work."
"to assert our rights and liberties"
"Since going to therapy, I've found it much easier to assert myself."

Etymology

From Latin assertus, perfect passive participle of asserō (“declare someone free or a slave by laying hands upon him; hence free from, protect, defend; lay claim to, assert, declare”), from ad (“to”) + serō (“join, range in a row”).

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: *ser- (bind), assertus

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /əˈsɝt/
British English: /əˈsɜːt/

Inflected Forms

asserts (present, singular) asserting (participle, present) asserted (participle, past) asserted (past) asserts (plural)

Derived Forms

assertability assertable asserter assertive assertment assertor counterassert misassert overassert reassert unassert

Phrases

assert oneself

Frequently Paired Words

posit

Synonyms

affirm asseverate aver avow exert assertion insist verify swan swear

Antonyms

remit deny deassert

Rhymes With

hurt shirt alert dirt insert skirt kurt dessert flirt bert burt divert

Questions

How do you pronounce assert?: The recorded pronunciation is /əˈsɝt/.
What does assert mean?: To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.
Where does assert come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce assert

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