Aver
/əˈvɜr/
verbC1
Definition
Aver means to declare or state something firmly and clearly, often to prove it is true. People use this word when they want to say something with confidence and certainty, usually in formal or serious situations like court or official talks.
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See It in Action
To state or assert something confidently as true
- •The witness averred that she saw the defendant at the scene.
- •He averred his innocence during the trial.
- •The scientist averred that the results were accurate.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "aver" like "say," but much stronger—it's like saying something with full confidence and proof.
- ✓Picture a lawyer in court standing up and clearly telling the judge, "This is true," with strong voice and eye contact.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want everyone to believe you because you know you are right.
- ✓Sounds like "a-VER" → imagine a very serious voice saying "I VOUCH for this!" (vouch means to promise something is true).
- ✓Think of a knight swearing an oath to tell the truth—this is like averring your honesty.
- ✓NOT like "guess" (which is uncertain), "aver" means you are sure and certain.
- ✓NOT like "whisper" (quiet and unsure), "aver" is loud and confident.
- ✓NOT like "claim" (which can be doubtful), "aver" is a strong, clear statement often with proof.
Try Other Words
- •Assert: to state confidently (Use when you want to show strong belief but in less formal contexts)
- •Declare: to announce clearly (Use when making a formal or public statement)
- •Claim: to say something is true (Use when the truth might be questioned or is less certain)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: No prefix; root "aver" comes from Latin "ad-" (to) + "verus" (true)
- •Etymology: From Latin "avertere" meaning "to turn towards the truth," later Old French "averer" meaning "to prove or confirm"
- •Historical development: Used in English from the 15th century to mean confidently stating something as true, especially in law
- •Modern usage: Mainly used in formal speech or writing, especially legal, academic, or serious statements
Reflect & Connect
•When have you had to aver something in your life, like telling the truth strongly?
•How does avering something differ from just saying it casually in a conversation?
Fill in the blanks
1.The lawyer averred ___ the defendant was not at the crime scene, providing evidence to support it.
2.When she was asked about the mistake, she averred ___ she had followed all the instructions carefully.
3.Unlike a guess, to aver something means to say it with full ___ and certainty.
4.In court, witnesses often aver their statements to make them more ___.
5.He did not just say it; he averred it ___, showing strong belief.
6.To aver something is to ___ it confidently, not just suggest it.
7.If someone only guesses, they do not ___; but if they aver, they speak with proof.