Words / C2

uh-VUR/əˈvɜː/

To aver is to state something firmly as a fact (formal / legal): aver that, it was averred in evidence. To declare (already in the dictionary) is official announcement; to assert (already in the dictionary) is to state firmly, and to avow (already in the dictionary) is to declare openly — the close twin of public admission. To recant (already in the dictionary) is to withdraw a former claim. Corridor heat is not a minute.

Meaning

To state something firmly as a fact (formal / legal).

Examples

• “Aver the missing date in the minutes; corridor heat is not a record.”
• “Declare is official announcement (already in B1). Assert is to state firmly (already in C1). Avow is to declare openly (already in C2). Recant is to withdraw a claim (already in C2) — the contrast. An awkward sentence in the minutes can still be exact. An anecdote that never states the cell is a hole. Put the number on the table; then the wine.”

Good to know

State firmly as fact (formal / legal). Everyday: declare (already in this dictionary). Close: assert (already in C1); avow (already in C2). Contrast: recant (withdraw — already in C2). Heat ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

assert, affirm, declare, maintain

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