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assertive

assertive

42 4.2
Showing confidence when saying what you want or think
  • adjective
  • /əˈsɜrtɪv/
translation icon : asertivo
  • Being assertive allows you to express your desires without being rude.
  • more assertive
  • assertive behavior
  • assertive communication

A leader being able to be assertive and take initiative is huge.

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Examples

  • I have learned to be more assertive by being in the position I'm in.

    Academic text (1992)
  • A leader being able to be assertive and take initiative is huge.

  • Well, you know, the assertive voice is the direct and honest guy.

  • I need to be more assertive in this marriage.

  • You want to get things done, you got to be assertive.

  • But as always, I'm remaining calm and assertive and I'm leading the situation.

  • I think that you can be both assertive and likable.

  • Look how assertive you've become.

  • So a woman is going to want to know if you have your own options, opinions, and if you can be assertive and stand your ground.

  • He seems like a quiet guy, but he's assertive with his pitching.

Synonyms

confident
vsassertive
715 2.5

Feeling sure about yourself or what will happen

is more about outwardly expressing opinions strongly rather than inner certainty
outspoken
vsassertive
78 4.2

To speak freely and directly about opinions or feelings

expresses opinions with more force and confident intent
forceful
vsassertive
62 4.3

Showing strong power and clear confidence in speech or actions

focuses more on expressing opinions confidently rather than just showing strength
self-assertive
vsassertive
7.0

Being confident and forceful when you speak or act, sometimes sounding rude

is confident and forceful but lacks the aggressive or unwelcome tone
self-asserting
vsassertive
7.1

Confident and firm when saying what you think or want

is confident and forceful but less aggressive in tone

Antonyms

111 3.9

Not taking action or trying to change what happens

38 5.1

Willing to obey others and not argue

1 6.2

Not confident about saying what you think or want

How Assertive

aggressive
311 3.7
forceful
62 4.3
assertive
42 4.2
reserved
3.7
timid
60 3.5

Surface Forms

assertive positive
assertiver comparative
assertivest superlative

Morphology

assertive = assert (transparent) = assert + ive

The adjective is directly derived from the verb 'assert' with the productive adjectival suffix '-ive', so the meaning is predictable.

Etymology

The word assertive comes from the verb assert, which comes from an old Latin word meaning 'to claim' or 'say firmly'. So, to be assertive is to state your needs or ideas clearly and with confidence.