English · Word Candidate

assert

/əˈsɜːt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: asserts · asserting · asserted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Verb

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.

Verb

Examples

to assert one's authority

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Synonym of assertion.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “assert” mean?

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

Is “assert” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.