ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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verb

assert

uh-SERT/əˈsɜːrt/

To present or uphold something firmly as valid.

She asserts that the figures are correct and offers the original records.

A young adult woman states her point firmly and confidently to an older woman across a small table, using steady eye contact, upright posture, and a restrained open-hand gesture.

Etymology

asLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+sertLatinjoin, link, or arrange

The Latin pieces combine “to” with “join together” in a verb meaning “lay claim to.” That notion of claiming underlies firmly declaring something to be true.

In context

ORCA Media44:14

you can't be put on trial or put to the test about your religious beliefs you simply assert them

Spotlight on Vermont Issues: Religious Freedom

More examples

The workers asserted their right to fair treatment.
He needs to assert himself during negotiations.
The new manager is asserting her authority.

Forms

assert · asserts · asserted · asserting

Similar words

claim: States something without necessarily the same firmness.
affirm: Confirms positively rather than necessarily defending a challenged position.