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Assertive vs Authoritative - What's the difference?

assertive | authoritative |

As adjectives the difference between assertive and authoritative

is that assertive is boldly self-assured; confident without being aggressive while authoritative is arising or originating from a figure of authority.

assertive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • boldly self-assured; confident without being aggressive

    • Derived terms

    * assertiveness

    authoritative

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Arising or originating from a figure of authority
    • The authoritative rules in this school come not from the headmaster but from the aged matron.
  • Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority
    • This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.
  • Having a commanding style.
    • He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.

    Synonyms

    * (highly accurate) definitive; precise, proper * (from a position of authority) of record

    Derived terms

    * authoritatively * authoritativeness