assertive
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for assertive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Confident and direct in stating opinions or defending one's interests, without being aggressive.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
self-asserting
self-assertive
Antonyms
unassertive
How to use assertive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
assertive communication
be more assertive
assertive tone
Etymology
From "assert" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ive", via Medieval Latin assertivus.
Full origin of assertive →Frequently asked questions
What does “assertive” mean?
The word “assertive” means confident and direct in stating opinions or defending one's interests, without being aggressive. In plain terms, standing up for yourself clearly and confidently, without being pushy or aggressive.
How do you pronounce “assertive”?
“Assertive” is pronounced uh-STIHV (/əˈsɝtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “assertive” in a sentence?
Here is “assertive” used in a sentence: “Being assertive in meetings helped her ideas get heard.”
What part of speech is “assertive”?
“Assertive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “assertive” come from?
The word “assertive” comes from Medieval Latin. From "assert" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ive", via Medieval Latin assertivus.
Is “assertive” a common word?
“Assertive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
