self-assertion

American  

[self-uh-sur-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf əˈsɜr ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. insistence on or an expression of one's own importance, wishes, needs, opinions, or the like.

   Synonyms:

   belligerence, aggressiveness, assertiveness

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self-assertion British  

noun

1. the act or an instance of putting forward one's own opinions, etc, esp in an aggressive or conceited manner

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Other Word Forms

• self-asserting
  adjective
• self-assertingly
  adverb
• self-assertive
  adjective
• self-assertively
  adverb
• self-assertiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of self-assertion

First recorded in 1795–1805

Explanation

A self-assertion is a boastful statement. "I am the greatest!" is a self-assertion. Self-assertion is great if you’re a boxer like Muhammad Ali, but usually annoying if you’re not. An assertion is an opinion like "The Yankees are the best." A self-assertion is a similar claim made about yourself. A low-level politician saying, "I will be President" is making a self-assertion. An athlete saying, "I will win the championship" is making a self-assertion. Self-assertions tend to be a little inconsiderate and arrogant, because self-assertions are usually a form of bragging. Someone who really feels confident probably wouldn't need to make a lot of self-assertions.

Example Sentences

These three forces—national consciousness, individual self assertion, social responsibility—profoundly affected the character of the young generation growing up in the newly reestablished Empire.

From The German Classics, v. 20 Masterpieces of German Literature by Various

Be it Cardinal, Chancellor, Rector, Mayor, Commanding Officer, President, Chairman, or local deputation, he had to hold his own, without even seeming to do so—that is, without effort or self assertion.

From Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 by VII, Edward

This incessant self assertion of consciousness at once suggests the idea of its being independent of the changing and vanishing body in which it is temporarily shrined.

From The Destiny of the Soul A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life by Alger, William Rounseville

Spiritual pride and self assertion can only be the outcome either of misunderstanding God's relation to us, or else of a wrong state of mind towards others—that is, it betokens mental or moral unfitness.

From Jesus the Christ A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by Talmage, James Edward

It shone from his round pale blue eyes; it conquered the self assertion of his unhappy nose; it seemed to glow in every freckle of his sunburnt cheeks, as earnestly he returned Malcolm's gaze.

From The Marquis of Lossie by MacDonald, George