assert

/əˈsɜːt/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈsɜːrt/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈsərt a-/ (ame, mw)

assert — verb

1. to say or write that a fact or opinion is true, doing so with strong confidence

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to say or write that a fact or opinion is true, doing so with strong confidence

例句

During the interview, Lena asserted that the figures were correct.

assert + that-clause

The company asserted its innocence after workers leaked the safety report.

assert + noun object

同義詞
  • claim

    can sound less certain and may suggest the truth is still open to question

  • maintain

    stresses continuing to hold the same position under challenge

  • affirm

    more formal and often used when supporting truth or principle

反義詞
  • deny

    says something is not true

  • retract

    means taking back an earlier statement

文法句型

assert + that-clause

assert something

assert innocence

assert a claim

用法筆記

Common with that-clauses and with objects such as innocence, rights, or claims. It usually sounds more forceful than say or state, and can suggest the speaker is certain even when other people doubt the point.

常見錯誤

❌He asserted me that the train was late.
✅He asserted that the train was late.
💡assert takes the statement, not a person, as its object.

2. to act firmly so that other people accept your right, power, or control

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to act firmly so that other people accept your right, power, or control

例句

After the merger, the new chief quickly asserted his authority.

assert your authority

Rosa spoke first to assert her right to answer the complaint.

assert a right

同義詞
  • establish

    stresses putting power or control in place, often more neutrally

  • enforce

    focuses on making rules or authority obeyed

  • uphold

    stresses defending a right or principle that already exists

反義詞
  • yield

    means giving up your position or control

  • submit

    suggests accepting another person's authority instead

文法句型

assert your authority

assert a right

assert independence

assert control

用法筆記

The object usually names what is being recognized, such as authority, a right, independence, control, or a leading role. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about getting acknowledgment of status or power, not simply becoming more noticeable.

常見錯誤

❌The coach asserted in the team after the loss.
✅The coach asserted his authority in the team after the loss.
💡this sense usually needs an object naming the right or power being claimed.

3. to act with enough confidence for people to notice you or your views, or to star

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

to act with enough confidence for people to notice you or your views, or to start showing a clear effect

例句

By her second week, Mina began to assert herself in class.

assert yourself

As the pain asserted itself, Raul had to stop walking.

assert itself

同義詞
  • stand out

    focuses on being noticed, often without the forceful tone

  • emerge

    can describe something gradually becoming clear or visible

  • make an impression

    stresses the effect on other people rather than authority

反義詞
  • fade

    means becoming weaker or less noticeable

  • withdraw

    for people, suggests stepping back instead of making yourself felt

文法句型

assert yourself

assert itself

assert your presence

assert your views

用法筆記

Often appears in patterns such as assert yourself, assert your presence, and assert itself. Distinguish from sense 2: here the focus is on becoming felt or noticed, not on formally securing recognition of authority.

常見錯誤

❌The pain asserted after lunch.
✅The pain asserted itself after lunch.
💡with non-human subjects in this sense, a reflexive form is often used.