adj
Uncommon
assertive
uh-STIHV
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.”
adj
1
Confident and direct in stating opinions or defending one's interests, without being aggressive.
"Being assertive in meetings helped her ideas get heard."
"He gave an assertive answer that left no room for doubt."
How to use assertive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding up for yourself clearly and confidently, without being pushy or aggressive.
Common mistake
Assertive is not the same as aggressive — assertiveness respects other people's views while still stating your own clearly.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
assertive communication
be more assertive
assertive tone
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more assertive
- Superlative
- most assertive
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.
Synonyms
View more →
self-asserting
self-assertive
Antonyms
unassertive
Related words
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.
