assert

Definition

To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.

Etymology

From Latin assertus, perfect passive participle of asserō (“declare someone free or a slave by laying hands upon him; hence free from, protect, defend; lay claim to, assert, declare”), from ad (“to”) + serō (“join, range in a row”).

Example Sentences

• "Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know."
• "He would often assert that there was life on other planets."
• "to assert one's authority"