Assertion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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assertion
[əˈsəːʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
statement
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief
Synonyms
affirmation, claim, declaration.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assertion |
Use when someone states something confidently and forcefully, usually without needing proof.
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| declaration |
Fits formal or official statements, often in a legal or public context.
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| affirmation |
Appropriate when there's a formal or positive confirmation of something, often to support or encourage.
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| claim |
Common in situations where someone states something that they believe to be true, but that might be disputed or require evidence.
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Examples of usage
- I can't make such assertions
- His assertion that his father had deserted the family
- She made some shocking assertions during the interview
law
a positive statement or declaration, often without support or reason
Synonyms
allegation, claim, declaration.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assertion |
Used when someone strongly states something as a fact, often without providing evidence. It's a confident and forceful statement.
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| allegation |
Often used in legal or formal settings to refer to an accusation that someone has done something wrong or illegal, usually without proof at the time of the statement. It typically carries a negative connotation.
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| claim |
Typically used when someone states something that they believe to be true, often without providing complete evidence. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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| declaration |
Used to refer to a formal or official statement about something, often in a public or official context. It signifies a clear and explicit announcement.
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Examples of usage
- The prosecutor's assertion that the defendant was guilty
philosophy
a proposition that is maintained by argument
Synonyms
claim, hypothesis, proposition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assertion |
An assertion is usually a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, often without providing evidence immediately.
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| proposition |
A proposition is a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion. It can also refer to a proposal or suggestion, especially in a formal context.
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| claim |
A claim is a statement that something is true, typically one that is disputed or in doubt. It often requires proof or evidence.
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| hypothesis |
A hypothesis is a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. It is often used in scientific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The assertion of a moral principle
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, an assertion can be a declaration made in court that can affect the outcome of a case.
- Claims in legal documents are often considered assertions, requiring evidence or proof for validation.
- The phrase 'assert and defend' is used in legal terms to signify a party's intention to uphold its statements in court.
Philosophy
- In philosophy, assertions are central to epistemology, which studies knowledge and belief.
- An assertion is often considered a proposition that can be analyzed for its truthfulness or falsity.
- Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and others have emphasized the importance of clarifying assertions in conversations to avoid confusion.
Psychology
- Psychologically, making bold assertions can influence people's perceptions and can be linked to self-confidence and authority.
- Cognitive biases often affect how people respond to assertions, such as confirmation bias where they favor information that supports their pre-existing beliefs.
- Training in assertiveness can significantly improve personal communication by teaching individuals to express their thoughts firmly but respectfully.
Communication
- Effective communication often relies on making clear assertions to convey messages and persuade others.
- In debates, the strength of an assertion can determine the outcome, with well-supported arguments being more persuasive.
- Nonverbal cues, like tone and body language, play a crucial role in the effectiveness of an assertion during conversations.
Origin of 'assertion'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'assertio', meaning 'a setting forth' or 'a statement'.
- The roots of 'assertion' can be traced back to the verb 'asserere', which means to 'join together' or 'claim' something.
- The term began gaining its modern usage in English around the late 16th century.
The word 'assertion' originated from the Latin word 'assertio', which means 'declaration'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. The concept of making a confident statement of fact or belief has been essential in philosophy, law, and everyday communication. Asserting oneself is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, allowing individuals to express their opinions and beliefs clearly and confidently.
See also: assert, asserting, assertions, assertive, assertively, assertiveness.