assertive

[ uh-sur-tiv ]

adjective

1. confidently aggressive or self-assured; positive: aggressive; dogmatic:

   He is too assertive as a salesman.

   Synonyms: forward, decisive, forceful

2. having a distinctive or pronounced taste or aroma.

assertive

/ əˈsɜːtɪv /

adjective

1. confident and direct in claiming one's rights or putting forward one's views
2. given to making assertions or bold demands; dogmatic or aggressive

Derived Forms

• asˈsertively, adverb
• asˈsertiveness, noun

Other Words From

• as·sertive·ly adverb
• as·sertive·ness noun
• nonas·sertive adjective
• nonas·sertive·ly adverb
• nonas·sertive·ness noun
• over·as·sertive adjective
• over·as·sertive·ly adverb
• over·as·sertive·ness noun
• pseudo·as·sertive adjective
• pseudo·as·sertive·ly adverb
• unas·sertive adjective
• unas·sertive·ly adverb
• unas·sertive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assertive¹

First recorded in 1555–65; assert + -ive

Example Sentences

Under Xi’s leadership in recent years, China has also become more assertive in its territorial claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

From BBC

"And he had a manner in the conversation that was assertive, but slightly cocky. That's an attractive quality too."

From BBC

I need to feel like I know what I’m doing, and they help me feel more assertive and in alignment.

From Los Angeles Times

But some of the recent coverage has also been unflattering, with critics saying he wasn't assertive enough and his tenure has been disappointing.

From BBC

What Beyoncé is doing, Palmer says, is performance art — “emoting something that is meant to be an aspirational exploration of feminism, gender-nonconformity but still softness, being assertive, having her peace in chaos with ‘Lemonade.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confident
• decisive
• emphatic
• forceful
• insistent
• pushy
• self-assured
• self-confident

More About Assertive

What does assertive mean?

Assertive commonly means confident and direct when trying to get what one wants or saying what one wants to say. It can also mean aggressive, forceful, or having a tendency to make demands.

These two meanings are typically applied to people, their personalities, or their actions. Assertive is sometimes also applied to food to mean having a bold flavor.

Example: If you want your work to be noticed, you have to be more assertive—you can’t just sit quietly at every meeting.

Where does assertive come from?

The first records of the word assertive come from the mid-1500s. It comes from the Latin assertus, meaning “defended” or “claimed.” Assertive can be thought of as the adjective version of the verb assert, which means “to maintain or defend” (as in phrases like assert your rights or assert their dominance), but assertive has actually been in use for longer than assert.

Assertive is often used to describe a confident person’s personality. People who are assertive are confident, they speak up for themselves, and they take charge. But that doesn’t mean they’re seen as aggressive. When described with this sense of the word, they are thought to be able to get their point across without being overly forceful. This sense of assertive is the opposite of passive and it is generally used in a positive way.

But sometimes assertive is used in a negative way to mean “aggressive,” “forceful,” or “demanding.” Someone might be described in this way if they constantly assert their opinions or beliefs, especially without allowing anyone to question them or without letting others state their own.

When used to describe food and drink, assertive means something has a real kick to it—the opposite of bland. Red wine and strong cheeses are two things whose flavors are frequently called assertive.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to assertive?

• assert (verb)
• assertively (adverb)
• assertiveness (noun)
• nonassertive (adjective)
• assertion (noun)

What are some synonyms for assertive?

• confident
• decisive
• insistent
• forceful
• aggressive
• self-assured
• strong-willed
• bold

What are some words that share a root or word element with assertive? 

 

• series 
• insert
• desert

What are some words that often get used in discussing assertive?

• personality
• timid
• passive
• more
• demand
• opinion

How is assertive used in real life?

Assertive can be used both positively (meaning “confident”) and negatively (meaning “aggressive”).

I’ve been told more than once by men I’ve dated that my personality is super chill. I’ve also been told I’m too chill and that’s probably why I’m single. Knowing me, I kinda agree with the logic.

I’ve been more assertive lately and it’s been great!

— B (@blaire_erialb) March 5, 2020

With millions of people having become assertive and vocal abt betrayals, demands,aspirations & solutions, the Earth may prove 2 small 4 us!

— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) February 18, 2015

Blue #cheese. Chile #peppers. @CarrValley takes these 2 ingredients – each with a fairly assertive flavor on its own – & combines them: [1] pic.twitter.com/2e8crcbYsu

— Zin The Phoenix (@ZinThePhoenix) January 8, 2017

 

 

Try using assertive!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for assertive?

A. insecure
B. confident
C. persistent
D. self-assured