The word "assertion" is spelled with an "s" at the beginning rather than a "c" because it is derived from the Latin word "assertus" which also starts with an "s." The correct IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /əˈsərʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, the "s" is pronounced as "z," and the last syllable is pronounced with a "sh" sound. This word is often used to describe a confident statement or declaration of something believed to be true.
An assertion is a confident and explicit statement or declaration that is made with the intention of conveying a belief, opinion, or fact as true. It is characterized by its authoritative and self-assured nature, aiming to assert a claim or argument with conviction and without hesitation. Assertions can be made in various contexts, such as in formal debates, discussions, academic papers, or informal conversations.
In terms of semantics, an assertion can be distinguished from a mere opinion or speculation by its claim of being supported by evidence, logical reasoning, or personal expertise. It often demands validation or acceptance from the listener or reader. Nevertheless, assertions can be subjective or objective, depending on the nature of the statement and the beliefs or values they reflect.
An assertion may involve affirming a statement based on one's knowledge, personal observation, or deduction. In some cases, it might also be a response or counterargument to challenge or refute a different assertion. Consequently, assertions are essential components of persuasive writing or speaking, as they attempt to sway the beliefs or opinions of others.
It is important to note that assertions should be supported by evidence or logical reasoning, as they are subject to scrutiny and potential critique. As such, they contribute to intellectual discourse, encouraging critical thinking, analysis, and the exploration of different perspectives on a particular subject matter.
The act of asserting; an affirmation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "assertion" originated from the Latin word "assertio", which is the noun form of the verb "assertus". The verb "assertus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "asserere", meaning "to claim, affirm, or maintain". The Latin word "asserere" is derived from the combination of "ad-" (meaning "towards" or "to") and "serere" (meaning "to join" or "to link"). The merge of these Latin roots gives "assertio", which transmits the idea of "a statement made with confidence or assurance". The word "assertion" was first recorded in the English language around the early 17th century.