assertation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “assertation” mean?
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
a formal declaration or claim, often one made without providing proof or evidence; the act of asserting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning, but 'assertion' is vastly preferred in both varieties. 'Assertation' is rarely used in contemporary prose.
Connotations
'Assertation' may sound slightly more formal, archaic, or even pretentious to some modern listeners.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern corpora for both varieties. 'Assertion' is the standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “assertation” in a Sentence
make + an + assertation + that-clausebase + an + assertation + on + somethingchallenge + an + assertationVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal legal or contractual contexts disputing a claim.
Academic
Rare but possible in philosophy, logic, or rhetoric to discuss the structure of an argument.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Possible in specific legal or logical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “assertation”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “assertation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “assertation”
- Using 'assertation' instead of the common 'assertion'. Spelling error: 'assertation'. Confusing with 'ascertation' (non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a legitimate, though very rare, noun meaning 'the act of asserting' or 'an assertion'. It is recorded in major dictionaries but is largely obsolete.
Always use 'assertion'. 'Assertation' is archaic and will sound unusual or incorrect to most native speakers.
In modern usage, there is no meaningful difference in definition. 'Assertion' is the standard term. 'Assertation' is a rare variant that adds no extra meaning.
You might find it in older legal texts, philosophical works, or as a stylistic choice by an author aiming for a very formal or archaic tone.
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Assertation is usually formal, academic in register.
Assertation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæs.əˈteɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæs.ɚˈteɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An assertation without evidence is merely an opinion.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASSERT + ACTION. An 'assertation' is the ACTION of making an ASSERTion.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ARGUMENT IS A BUILDING (A foundational assertation); COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT (He delivered his assertation).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and recommended synonym for 'assertation'?