Assert
Captains defending a pitch, essayists planting a thesis, and authors defending causality all use this verb when suggesting is too weak for the claim.
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To state firmly as fact.
Memory trick
ASSERT has CERT inside it: a certain statement stated firmly.
Examples
Authors assert the link is causal.
The captain asserted that the pitch was unplayable, pointing at the cracks.
In the essay she asserts one thesis early and defends it for six paragraphs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin asserere "to claim, affirm," originally to lay hands on something claimed. Assertion grabs the claim and holds it.
Usage Notes
Academic stance verb: authors assert, studies suggest, critics contend. Asserting is stronger than suggesting, so use it only for defended claims.
Real-life contexts
Use in writing: "The report asserts a direct link."
Use in debate: "I assert that the data supports this."
Use in reviews: "She asserts her view without hedging."
Common Mistakes
Assert a claim, not a question; and assertiveness is confidence, not aggression. "Assert oneself" means to stand up for one’s rights.
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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