assertive
Assertive (adj) means confident and direct in stating opinions or defending one's interests, without being aggressive. Example: “Being assertive in meetings helped her ideas get heard.”
How to Use Assertive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding up for yourself clearly and confidently, without being pushy or aggressive.
Assertive is not the same as aggressive — assertiveness respects other people's views while still stating your own clearly.
Word Forms
more assertive comparative, most assertive superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Being _____ in meetings helped her ideas get heard.
Etymology
From "assert" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ive", via Medieval Latin assertivus.
Rhymes for assertive
See all rhymes for 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.