What does assert mean?
Word: Assert
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Assert means to state something firmly and confidently. To assert yourself is to speak up for your rights or views.
Synonyms: declare, claim, insist, maintain
How do you spell assert?
Syllables: as - sert
Tricky part: The vowel is e, not u, even though it sounds like the ur in hurt; assurt is the usual slip.
Watch out for: assurt, accert
Memory tip: Assert has a near twin, insert: both end in sert. To assert a point is to insert it firmly into the talk.
Assert in a sentence
Example 1: The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent.
Example 2: Shy students can learn to assert themselves during group work.
Example 3: Scientists assert that the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.
Fun Fact
In computer programming, an assert is a line of code that checks something the programmer believes is true and stops the program if it turns out to be false.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. assert 2. confes 3. contredict 4. persuaid
a) to admit that you have done something wrong
b) to make someone agree by giving good reasons
c) to state firmly that something is true
d) to say the opposite of what someone else has said
Show answer
c) to state firmly that something is true. Assert is the one spelt properly; contradict, persuade and confess are the right forms of the others.
Word Connection
Choose the word opposite in meaning to assert as used in the sentence:
The witness continued to assert that he had seen the thief climb the wall.
a) remember
b) deny
c) repeat
d) explain
Show answer
b) deny. To assert is to say firmly that something is true; to deny is to say it is not.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
During the class debate on plastic bans, Tanvi stood up to asert that cloth bags were cheaper and lasted far longer than paper ones.
a) longer
b) cheaper
c) debate
d) asert
Show answer
d) asert. Two s's are needed: as-sert.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which response shows someone asserting themselves?
a) staying silent when someone takes your seat in class
b) politely telling a friend you will not copy his homework
c) laughing along at a joke that you actually dislike
d) letting the others choose for you every single time
Show answer
b) politely telling a friend you will not copy his homework
2. Which noun is formed from assert?
a) ascent
b) assortment
c) insertion
d) assertion
Show answer
d) assertion
