assert
verb (used with object)
to state with assurance, confidence, or force; state strongly or positively; affirm; aver.
had been asserting
-
past perfect progressiveof assert.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For the 18 months since his resignation as defense secretary in December 2018, Mattis had been asserting a “duty of silence” as a former military commander not to directly criticize the president.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 4, 2020
But the Ancram strain in him had been asserting itself lately.
From A Charming Fellow, Volume I (of 3) by Trollope, Frances Eleanor
The newspapers had been asserting that the new army was being recruited from the flower of England's young manhood.
From Kitchener's Mob Adventures of an American in the British Army by Hall, James Norman
He admitted, what many had been asserting for weeks, that the Centenary was going to be a big thing; and his social instinct wished him to share in the pride of it.
From Clayhanger by Bennett, Arnold
A peculiar difference in the vivacity of her impressions had been asserting itself.
From Bruce of the Circle A by Titus, Harold
