assert

Where does the word "assert" come from? It comes from Latin asserere, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Assert’s story begins in Latin: asserere meant “to claim, join to oneself.” 'ad-' plus 'serere', to join. It reached English by 1600s as assert. First meant to claim or free someone at law; 'assertion' is recorded earlier, from the 1400s. Today, assert means to state confidently.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient asserere "to claim, join to oneself", 'ad-' plus 'serere', to join.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s assert "to declare", first meant to claim or free someone at law; 'assertion' is recorded earlier, from the 1400s.