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

Other Word Forms

• assertively adverb
• assertiveness noun
• nonassertive adjective
• nonassertively adverb
• nonassertiveness noun
• overassertive adjective
• overassertively adverb
• overassertiveness noun
• pseudoassertive adjective
• pseudoassertively adverb
• unassertive adjective
• unassertively adverb
• unassertiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assertive¹

First recorded in 1555–65; assert + -ive

Example Sentences

Baruch continued: "I would say that assertive pressure on Israel in any way the Europeans believe is at their disposal should be welcome."

From BBC

This perspective emphasizes that conservatives face disproportionate threats requiring a more assertive response.

From Los Angeles Times

It is said his amiable persona allows him to deal smoothly with characters who perhaps seem more assertive than his exterior suggests he is.

From BBC

"The perception is that Cambodia has appeared more agile, more assertive and more media savvy," said Clare Patchimanon, speaking on the Thai Public Broadcasting System podcast Media Pulse.

From BBC

This kind of constant self-editing, Ms Kean explains, may act as a defence mechanism to avoid being seen as abrasive or overly assertive.

From BBC

Related Words

• confident 
• decisive 
• emphatic 
• forceful 
• insistent 
• pushy 
• self-assured 
• self-confident www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

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.