Meaning & use
asserted
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“asserted” is a form of “assert”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitiveformal
Said something firmly and confidently as though there could be no doubt about it.
Grammar: Takes an object or a that-clause: she asserted that the data was correct.
Patterns
- assert that something
- assert something
The lawyer asserted that her client had been nowhere near the building.
He asserted his innocence from the first day of the trial.
The company asserted that the report was inaccurate.
verbtransitive
Made other people recognize a right, power or quality by acting with confidence.
Grammar: Often takes a reflexive or an abstract object: he asserted himself; she asserted her authority.
Patterns
- assert yourself
- assert your rights
- assert authority
After a quiet first week, the new manager asserted her authority.
The tenants asserted their right to a safe building.
He finally asserted himself and refused to work late again.
Word forms
| base form | assert |
|---|---|
| third person singular | asserts |
| -ing form | asserting |
Common combinations
- asserted his innocence
- The defendant asserted his innocence throughout the hearing.
- asserted her independence
- She asserted her independence by moving to another city.
- asserted authority
- The captain asserted his authority over the crew.
- confidently asserted
- The minister confidently asserted that the plan would work.
- asserted a claim
- Both heirs asserted a claim to the estate.
- asserted that
- The study asserted that sleep improves memory.
Synonyms and how they differ
- claimed
- Claimed leaves more room for doubt about whether the statement is true, whereas asserted stresses the confident delivery.
- declared
- Declared sounds more formal and public, as if announcing something, while asserted may be said in an argument.
- insisted
- Insisted suggests that the speaker keeps repeating the point against disagreement, while asserted can be said just once.
- maintained
- Maintained implies sticking to a position over time, while asserted describes a single statement.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: asserted or asserted? asserted or asserted?
asserted vs asserted
Asserted is not the same as 'proved': an assertion is just a firm claim, and it may turn out to be false.
asserted vs asserted
Do not confuse it with 'insert' or 'assorted'; asserted always involves stating or claiming something.
Practice
The spokesperson _____ that the company had done nothing wrong, though she offered no evidence.
Choose one answer.
Asserted fits because it describes a confident claim made without proof. 'Proved' and 'discovered' would imply evidence existed, and 'concluded' implies reasoning to a result.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “asserted”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.