asseverate

American  

[uh-sev-uh-reyt] / əˈsɛv əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

asseverated, asseverating

1. to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.

   Synonyms:

   maintain, state, assert

---

asseverate British  

/ əˈsɛvəˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to assert or declare emphatically or solemnly

---

Other Word Forms

• asseveration noun

Etymology

Origin of asseverate

First recorded in 1785–95; < Latin assevērātus “spoken in earnest” (past participle of assevērāre ), equivalent to as- as- + sevēr- ( severe ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Why merely say something, when they can declare, assert, expostulate, announce, or asseverate it?

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

—At this, the Boy suffered some Confusion, then to asseverate, My Tutor is deceased, Sir.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

I ain't afeard av the ball," he hastened to asseverate; "it's the kick av it that murthers me.

From Overland by De Forest, J. W. (John William)

She did not asseverate any more, nor even say she was innocent.

From Sue, A Little Heroine by Meade, L. T.

All this flashed through her mind with lightning rapidity while Mr. Dehnicke continued to asseverate his friendship for Walter, and look at her with his round eyes in undesirous adoration.

From The Song of Songs by Sudermann, Hermann

Related Words

• allege
• attest
• aver
• avow
• declare
• promise