assertive

assertive — adjective

1. willing to state your opinions, needs, or wishes in a firm, confident way, so th

1.形容詞C2
釋義

willing to state your opinions, needs, or wishes in a firm, confident way, so that other people listen and take you seriously, without becoming rude or aggressive.

例句

Ines stayed calm but assertive when the salesman tried to push the warranty on her.

be + assertive in conflict-style situation

The new manager spoke in a clear, assertive tone during the Monday team meeting.

collocation: assertive tone / manner / voice

同義詞
  • self-assured

    stresses inner confidence rather than outward speaking up

  • forthright

    emphasises honest, direct speech; less about defending one's interests

  • firm

    more general; often about decisions or rules rather than personality

  • confident

    broader; describes belief in oneself, not necessarily speaking up

反義詞
  • passive

    lets others decide; does not state own needs

  • submissive

    yields to others, often out of fear or habit

  • timid

    afraid to speak up at all, even when needed

文法句型

be assertive about + noun

assertive + noun (tone, manner, style)

用法筆記

Often praised in workplace and self-help contexts. Distinguish from 'aggressive': assertive people defend their views firmly but still respect others, while aggressive people push their views by intimidating or attacking. Frequently follows linking verbs (be, sound, seem) or modifies nouns about communication (tone, manner, voice, style, response).

常見錯誤

❌She shouted and insulted him in a very assertive way.
✅She shouted and insulted him in a very aggressive way.
💡assertive is firm but respectful; shouting and insulting is aggressive.
❌He is assertive to ask for a raise.
✅He is assertive enough to ask for a raise.' / 'He is assertive about asking for a raise.
💡use 'assertive enough to' or 'assertive about + noun', not bare 'assertive to + verb'.