Definitions and Examples of claim, assert, maintain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To state that something is true, especially without providing evidence or proof.
Example
He claimed that he had seen a UFO last night.
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example
She asserted that she was innocent and demanded a fair trial.
To keep in a particular state or condition; to continue to declare or affirm.
Example
He maintained his innocence throughout the trial and refused to plead guilty.
Key Differences: claim vs assert vs maintain
- 1Claim is a general term that describes stating something as true without providing evidence or proof.
- 2Assert is a more forceful term that describes stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
- 3Maintain is a term that describes keeping something in a particular state or condition, or continuing to declare or affirm something.
Effective Usage of claim, assert, maintain
- 1Legal Context: Use claim and assert in legal contexts to state facts or beliefs.
- 2Debate and Argument: Use assert to make a strong statement or argument.
- 3Ownership and Possession: Use claim to assert ownership or possession of something.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Claim conveys a general statement without evidence, assert denotes a confident and forceful statement, and maintain refers to keeping something in a particular state or condition. Use these words in legal contexts, debates, arguments, and to assert ownership or possession of something.