a. [f. as if ad. L. *assertīvus; cf. Fr. assertive-ment Cotgr., It. assertivo Florio: see ASSERT v. and -IVE.]
1. Of the nature of, or characterized by, assertion; declaratory, affirmative; positive, dogmatic.
1562. [see ASSERTIVELY].
a. 1619. Fotherby, Atheom., II. xii. § 2. 336. By the assertiue testimonie … of the Corinthians.
1661. Glanvill, Sceps. Sci., 15. As assertive and dogmatical as if they were omniscient.
1712. Greenwood, Eng. Gram., 225. Not to make this Mark (?) … at the Ending or Conclusion of an Assertive Sentence.
1856. Maurice, Serm. John i. 8. The broad, simple assertive tone, ‘In the beginning was the Word.’
2. Characterized by mere assertion; (see quot.)
1849. Abp. Thomson, Laws of Th. (ed. 2), 305. The assertive judgment is one of which we are fully persuaded ourselves, but cannot give grounds for our belief, that shall compel men in general to coincide with us.
3. Self-assertive = self-ASSERTING ppl. a.
1865. Dickens, Mut. Fr., 24. Reginald … being too aspiring and self-assertive a name.
