Assert vs. Contend — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Assert means to state something confidently and forcefully as a fact, while contend means to argue or compete for something, often against opposition or in a dispute.
Difference Between Assert and Contend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Assert is a verb that involves stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. When someone asserts something, they express it with conviction, often to affirm their position or opinion unequivocally. Contend, on the other hand, means to argue or compete for something, especially in the face of opposition. It implies a level of dispute or struggle. To contend is to engage in a debate, competition, or conflict, where one must defend their position or strive to achieve a goal.
Assert emphasizes the act of declaring something with confidence and authority, often without expecting opposition. Contend highlights the element of challenge or competition, where one must argue or compete against others to uphold a position or win something.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To state something confidently and forcefully
To argue or compete for something
Context
Affirming a fact or belief
Engaging in a dispute or competition
Connotation
Confidence, authority
Challenge, opposition
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Usage Example
"She asserted her right to speak."
"He contended that the policy was unfair."
Key Element
Stating confidently
Arguing or competing against opposition
Compare with Definitions
Assert
To behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner.
The manager asserted her authority during the meeting.
Contend
To struggle or fight against difficulties or opposition.
The lawyer contended that the evidence was insufficient to convict his client.
Assert
To insist on having one's opinion or belief recognized.
The scientist asserted the importance of the new findings.
Contend
To argue or compete for something.
The teams will contend for the championship title next week.
Assert
To state something confidently and forcefully.
She asserted that she had completed the project on time.
Contend
To assert or maintain a position in a debate.
Critics contend that the new policy will harm the economy.
Assert
To express or state firmly.
The company asserted that its products were of the highest quality.
Contend
To strive in rivalry or competition.
She contended with her colleagues for the promotion.
Assert
To state or express positively; affirm
Asserted his innocence.
Contend
To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle
Armies contending for control of territory.
Had to contend with long lines at the airport.
Assert
To defend or maintain (one's rights, for example).
Contend
To strive in competition, as in a race; vie
Two runners contending for the lead.
Assert
To put into action boldly; employ or demonstrate
Asserted her independence.
Contend
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.
Assert
To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.
He would often assert that there was life on other planets.
Contend
To assert or maintain
The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.
Assert
To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.
To assert one's authority
Salman Rushdie has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
Assert
To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to
To assert our rights and liberties
Contend
(intransitive) To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
Assert
(reflexive) To insist on the legitimacy of one's rights, opinion, etc; not to allow oneself to be dismissed; to ensure that one is taken into consideration; to make oneself respected; to be assertive.
Since going to therapy, I've found it much easier to assert myself.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
Assert
(programming) To specify that a condition or expression is true at a certain point in the code.
Contend
(intransitive) To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate.
In this paper the author contends that no useful results can be obtained if this method is used.
Assert
(electronics) To set a signal on a line using a voltage or electric current.
Contend
Contend with: To try to cope with a difficulty or problem.
Assert
(computer science) an assertion; a section of source code which tests whether an expected condition is true.
Contend
To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
For never two such kingdoms did contendWithout much fall of blood.
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.
In ambitious strength I didContend against thy valor.
Assert
To affirm; to declare with assurance, or plainly and strongly; to state positively; to aver; to asseverate.
Nothing is more shameful . . . than to assert anything to be done without a cause.
Contend
To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
You sit above, and see vain men belowContend for what you only can bestow.
Assert
To maintain; to defend.
That . . . I may assert Eternal Providence,And justify the ways of God to men.
I will assert it from the scandal.
Contend
To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
The question which our author would contend for.
Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial.
Assert
To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to; as, to assert our rights and liberties.
Contend
To struggle for; to contest.
Carthage shall contend the world with Rome.Dryden.
Assert
State categorically
Contend
Maintain or assert;
He contended that Communism had no future
Assert
To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true;
Before God I swear I am innocent
Contend
Have an argument about something
Assert
Insist on having one's opinions and rights recognized;
Women should assert themselves more!
Contend
To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation;
They contested the outcome of the race
Assert
Assert to be true;
The letter asserts a free society
Contend
Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
Assert
To affirm or defend a claim or right.
He asserted his right to privacy in the discussion.
Contend
Come to terms or deal successfully with;
We got by on just a gallon of gas
They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
Contend
To cope with or deal with something challenging.
The small business contended with financial pressures during the recession.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to assert something?
To assert something means to state it confidently and forcefully as a fact or belief.
What does it mean to contend with something?
To contend with something means to struggle against it or deal with it, often involving a challenge or competition.
Is contend related to the concept of contention?
Yes, contention refers to a dispute or argument in which there is competition or disagreement.
Can assert and contend be used interchangeably?
No, assert focuses on confidently stating something as a fact, while contend involves arguing or competing against opposition.
What is an example of asserting a fact?
"She asserted that the project was completed on schedule."
Does contend always imply a dispute?
Yes, contend typically implies facing opposition or competing against others.
Is contend used in sports contexts?
Yes, contend is often used in sports contexts to describe competing for a title or position.
Can assert be used to describe behavior?
Yes, assert can describe confident and forceful behavior, such as "He asserted his authority."
Can contend be used to describe coping with difficulties?
Yes, contend can describe dealing with difficulties, such as "She contended with many obstacles."
What is an example of contending in a debate?
"The debater contended that stricter environmental regulations are necessary."
Is assert related to the concept of assertion?
Yes, an assertion is a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Can both assert and contend be used in academic writing?
Yes, both terms can be used in academic writing but in different contexts—assert for stating confidently and contend for arguing against opposition.
Is assert used in legal contexts?
Yes, assert can be used in legal contexts to affirm rights or state facts confidently.
Does assert imply confidence?
Yes, assert implies a high level of confidence and authority in stating something.
Does contend imply competition?
Yes, contend often implies a competitive scenario where there is a struggle or rivalry.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
