Assertive
/əˈsɜːrtɪv/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Having or showing a confident and forceful personality; tending to express one's opinions or feelings firmly.
/əˈsɜːrtɪv/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
He was assertive in his demands for a raise.
💡 Simply: Confident and strong in expressing oneself.
More Examples
2
She needs to be more assertive to get ahead in her career.
How It's Used
Workplace
"She was assertive in the meeting, clearly stating her opinions."
Psychology
"Assertiveness training helps individuals express their needs effectively."
From Middle English *assertif*, from Old French *assertif*, from Latin *assertus*, past participle of *asserere* "to assert, claim"
The word's usage has increased significantly in modern contexts, reflecting a growing emphasis on self-expression and confident communication.
Memory tip
Think 'assert' - to state something confidently.
Practice
Base: assert
asertiveascertiveassertaive
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written