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assertive Definition

as·ser·tive (ə sʉrt′iv)

adjective

characterized by assertion; positive or confident in a persistent way

Etymology: ML assertivus

assertive Related Forms
as·ser′·tively adverb as·ser′·tive·ness noun
assertive Synonyms

assertive

modif.

confident, self-assured, positive, outspoken; see aggressive 1, certain 1. See syn. study ataggressive.

assertive Usage Examples

Preposition: at

  • work: Really happy, shifting forward in various aspects - more assertive at work, relationships improving, more productive.

Modifies a noun

  • outreach: People must make a positive choice to work in assertive outreach.
  • stance: Ask the same person to then adopt an assertive stance.
  • behavior: What are the benefits of adopting more assertive behaviors?
  • manner: Learn to express yourself calmly Try to express angry feelings in an assertive manner, using calm, logical words rather than violence.
  • personality: With strong Mars in fiery Leo gives an assertive personality who desires success and loves attention.
  • discipline: Simply put, assertive discipline argues that pupils need to know what behavior is expected of them by their teacher.

Modifying Another Word

  • increasingly: India is characterized as increasingly assertive and casually indifferent to the security of its sub-continental neighbors; Pakistan as unstable and risk-taking.
  • very: Sometimes you have to be very assertive to get the best from the system.
  • too: Ian's behavior was too assertive in other ways too.
  • not: Some people are not assertive enough to ask for help.
  • quite: She's a fairly normal housewife, tho she can be quite assertive when needed.
  • so: Often, they were so clever and so assertive individually that they could never reach agreement on what to do.

Infinitive complement

  • get: Sometimes you have to be very assertive to get the best from the system.
  • ensure: You will sometimes need to be assertive to ensure people with a learning disability do not suffer discrimination.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: A good first step to becoming more assertive is to consider your own body language through role play.
  • feel: I try to fight back by riding assertively but feel more assertive some days than others.

Preposition: in

  • situation: Who should attend Anyone who feels they could be more assertive in certain situations.

Preposition: with

  • taxis: I generally have no problems with Lothian Busses, although I find I have to be assertive with some taxis.
  • doctor: It was my first positive experience and I surprised myself by being gently assertive with this doctor and avoiding upset.