Assertively: meaning, definitions and examples

💪
Add to dictionary

assertively

 

[ əˈsərtɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in communication

Assertively means in a confident and forceful way, expressing your opinions or desires without hesitation. It implies standing up for yourself and being clear about what you want.

Synonyms

confidently, decisively, emphatically, firmly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
assertively

Used when someone is expressing their views or desires in a strong and assured manner without being aggressive.

  • She assertively communicated her needs during the meeting
confidently

Applicable when someone is expressing themselves with self-assurance and without any doubt.

  • He confidently answered all the questions during the interview
firmly

Suited for situations where someone is being resolute or unyielding, often in enforcing rules or beliefs.

  • He told them firmly that there would be no changes to the policy
decisively

Best used when someone is making a decision or taking an action quickly and effectively, without hesitation.

  • The manager acted decisively in resolving the issue
emphatically

Used to describe the expression of something in a way that shows emphasis and often emotion.

  • She stated emphatically that she was not going to change her plans

Examples of usage

  • She assertively stated her opinion during the meeting.
  • He spoke assertively when negotiating the contract.
  • They assertively demanded better working conditions.
Context #2 | Adverb

in behavior

Assertively can also refer to behaving in a self-assured manner, showing confidence and determination in one's actions.

Synonyms

boldly, confidently, decisively, firmly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
assertively

In situations where you need to communicate your viewpoint strongly and directly without being aggressive.

  • She spoke assertively in the meeting, making sure her ideas were understood
confidently

When you have self-assurance in your abilities or opinions, often in social or professional settings.

  • She walked confidently into the interview, sure of her qualifications
boldly

When taking risks or making daring actions, often in contexts of courage or innovation.

  • He boldly proposed a new strategy during the presentation
decisively

In situations where quick and clear decisions are necessary, showing determination.

  • He acted decisively when resolving the conflict among team members
firmly

When maintaining a strong position or stance, often in situations requiring discipline or insistence.

  • She spoke firmly to the students, ensuring they understood the rules

Examples of usage

  • She handled the situation assertively and resolved the conflict.
  • He tackled the challenge assertively and achieved success.

Translations

Translations of the word "assertively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assertivamente

🇮🇳 दृढ़तापूर्वक

🇩🇪 bestimmt

🇮🇩 dengan tegas

🇺🇦 рішуче

🇵🇱 stanowczo

🇯🇵 断固として

🇫🇷 de manière assertive

🇪🇸 de manera asertiva

🇹🇷 kararlı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 단호하게

🇸🇦 بشكل حازم

🇨🇿 asertivně

🇸🇰 asertívne

🇨🇳 断然地

🇸🇮 odločno

🇮🇸 ákveðið

🇰🇿 батыл түрде

🇬🇪 მტკიცედ

🇦🇿 qətiyyətlə

🇲🇽 de manera asertiva

Etymology

The word 'assertively' comes from the verb 'assert,' which originated from Latin 'assertus,' past participle of 'asserere' meaning 'to claim, affirm.' The suffix '-ive' is added to form the adverb 'assertively.' The concept of assertiveness has been recognized in psychology as a communication style that balances the rights of the speaker and the listener. It emphasizes respect for oneself and others while expressing thoughts and feelings.

See also: assert, asserting, assertion, assertions, assertive, assertiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,925 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.