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"Assert" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "afirmar", and "argue" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "discutir". Learn more about the difference between "assert" and "argue" below.
assert(
uh
-
suhrt
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to declare)
a. afirmar
The newspaper article asserted that the governor had deliberately withheld the truth.El artículo del periódico afirmaba que el gobernador había ocultado la verdad a propósito.
b. aseverar
"There is more than enough evidence to convict him," he asserted."Hay más que suficientes pruebas para condenarlo," aseveró.
a. imponer
Some border control officers love to assert their authority on travellers.A algunos oficiales de control de fronteras les encanta imponer su autoridad sobre los viajeros.
b. reafirmar
Stalin soon began to assert his supremacy and get rid of people who opposed him.Stalin pronto empezó a reafirmar su supremacía y deshacerse de sus opositores.
3. (to uphold)
a. hacer valer
He only wants to assert his right to access to his son, not to get involved in a lengthy legal battle.Solo quiere hacer valer su derecho de visita a su hijo y no involucrarse en una larga disputa judicial.
b. reivindicar
Factory workers began to organize and to assert their rights.Los trabajadores de la fábrica empezaron a organizarse y reivindicar sus derechos.
argue(
ar
-
gyu
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to quarrel)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to allege)
a. argumentar
The defendant argued that he was not present at the scene of the crime.El acusado argumentó que no estaba presente en el lugar del crimen.
b. sostener
My husband argues that it's better to clean our own house than hire a maid.Mi marido sostiene que es mejor limpiar nuestra propia casa que contratar a una criada.
c. alegar
The governor argued that he hadn't traded political favors for money.El gobernador alegó que no había cambiado favores políticos por dinero.
3. (to discuss)
a. discutir
We've argued this point to death. Can't we move on?Hemos discutido este punto hasta más no poder. ¿No podemos hablar de otra cosa?
4. (to present)
a. presentar
The attorney will argue the case in front of the judge tomorrow.El abogado presentará el caso ante el juez mañana.
