In this word confusion between aggressive and assertive, they’re similar in that both are forceful words. The difference between the two is:
- Aggressive is on the mean side of forceful, ready to attack.
- Assertive is confident, comfortable in making their demands without being mean.
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Aggressive | Assertive |
|---|---|
 |
 — |
| Part of Grammar: | |
| Adjective | Adjective |
| Adjective: Ready or likely to attack or confront
Forceful, bold, and energetic Of or relating to an investment or approach to investing that seeks above-average returns by taking above-average risks Fast growing
Characterized by or inclined toward vigorous or intensive medical treatment Intense or harsh, as in color |
Having or showing a confident and forceful personality
Given to making confident and forceful statements of fact or beliefs or bold demands Confidently self-assured
Having a distinctive or pronounced taste or aroma |
| Examples: | |
| He’s very uncooperative and aggressive.
The dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior. We needed more growth to pursue our aggressive acquisition strategy. Putin’s is an aggressive regime. They assembled an aggressive sales campaign. They decided to pursue an aggressive investment strategy with a portion of their money. The doctors found an aggressive tumor. We intend an aggressive approach to treating the infection. Wow, that yellow is aggressive. |
Patients should be more assertive with their doctors.
Johnny was an energetic assertive boy who was always ready to argue. Pointing directly at a listener is an assertive act. She had an assertive style of management. Mary, try to be a bit more assertive. You were very assertive in that meeting. Slowly she began to become more assertive. Grapeseed oil, which tends to have a less assertive flavor and a lighter body than olive oil, is just catching on in the United States. |
| Derivatives: | |
| Adverb: aggressively Noun: aggression, aggressiveness |
Adverb: assertively, nonassertively, nonassertive Noun: assertiveness, self-assertive Verb: assert |
| History of the Word: | |
| Late 17th century from the modern Latin aggressivus, from the Latin aggress- meaning attacked (from the verb aggredi); compare with the French agressif + -ive. | First recorded in 1555–65; assert + -ive. |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
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Resources for Aggressive versus Assertive
Apple Dictionary.com
The Free Dictionary: aggressive, assertive
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