How do you use the verb 'asseverate'?

[Torsten]

Hi again, could you please give me a sample sentence with the verb 'asseverate'? BNC and Mrs. Google don't want to communicate with me on this.

Let me asseverate that I'll greatly appreciate your help...

Regards,
Torsten
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[Conchita]

'Asseverate' is used in Spanish (aseverar) with the same meaning as in English: to assert or affirm. It doesn't seem to be very commonly used in English, though.

Google was more generous to me -- here are a few example sentences:

http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2002/01/01.html

Edit: I've corrected 'generous with me' to read 'generous to me'

[Torsten]

Hi Conchita,

I'd like to asseverate that you've been a great help as usual. Many thanks. T
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[Prezbucky]

Torsten

If you use that word while speaking (or writing) to even native English-speakers, expect a lot of dumb looks in return.

"What did you say?"

hehe

Seriously, though, it is quite rarely used.

(in my experience, at least)
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[Torsten]

Tom, do you have any idea why many of those rarely used words frequently appear on 'TOEFL vocabulary' lists?
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[Alan]

Hi Torsten,

'Asseverate' is one of those words rather like the silver tea service that you only take out of the cabinet for special occasions. I have a picture of someone asseverating who's standing up and solemnly making a pronouncement or if you like saying something of great severity.

A
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[Torsten]

Many thanks for this interesting illustration -- the silver tea service is very appropriate here. 'Asseverate' is one of the words in our TOEFL vocabulary list and I'd like to add some sample sentences that show how those rare words can be used. So far, BNC has been a real treasure trove but some words such as 'asseverate' don't produce any results...
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[Yankee]

Interestingly, the only version of that word in the Oxford (Compact) Dictionary online appears to be the noun asseveration. And Cambridge doesn't seem to list any version at all online:

http://www.onelook.com/?w=asseveration&ls=a
http://www.onelook.com/?w=asseverate&ls=a

[Prezbucky]

Torsten

I have no idea why this word is on TOEFL vocab lists. As Alan mentioned (along these lines at least), it's one of those words you'd use maybe five times each year.

I am not against the word, of course. It exudes style and sophistication. It's just very rarely used.
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[Fan Of Arabian Horses]

Hi all!

I asseverate you wouldn?t believe a person who asseverates too often.

M

[Tamara]

Hi!

I don’t actually know the difference between asseverating and making a vow, but for some vague reasons Alan’s picture reminded me the ceremony of becoming a member of the Soviet pioneer organisation.

I never met an English translation of the classic text of that vow, but I'm sure that if, being awaken in the death of night, I was asked to articulate it in the proper manner – I would!
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[Tom]

[Torsten]

Hmm, I think Mrs. Google has multiple personalities -- joking aside this was a typo. Thanks for pointing it out, Tom!
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[Conchita]

[Prezbucky]

I ain't never saw such lovely grammer!

hehe
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