self-assertion
Claiming your ground
Self-assertion is the confident expression of one's own opinions, needs, or rights.
It suggests standing up for yourself without being aggressive: Her self-assertion in meetings earned her colleagues' respect.
The term carries positive connotations of healthy confidence, distinguishing it from pushiness or arrogance.
Graceful, unshakable calm
- convictionFirmly held belief
- composureEmotional self-control
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
boldness · directness · forthrightness · outspokenness · presence · backbone · nerve · moxie
Freedom from external control
- agencyPower to act
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- liberationRelease from constraint
nonconformity · speaking up · defiance · resistance · pushing back
Unique personal character
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- uniquenessQuality of being singular
- personal truthIndividually held conviction
- voiceSound from throat
poise
Graceful, unshakable calm
- convictionFirmly held belief
- composureEmotional self-control
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
empowerment · boldness · directness · forthrightness · outspokenness · presence · backbone · nerve · moxie · gumption
independence
Freedom from external control
- agencyPower to act
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- freedomAbsence of constraint
liberation · nonconformity · speaking up · defiance · resistance · pushing back
individuality
Unique personal character
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- uniquenessQuality of being singular
- personal truthIndividually held conviction
- Nietzschewill to power, overman, superman, slave morality, Zarathustra
- coping mechanismsrepression, denial, projection, sublimation, rationalization
self-assertiondeference
Yielding to another's judgment
submissiveness · meekness · subservience · obsequiousness · acquiescence
self-assertionself-doubt
Uncertainty about oneself
timidity · self-effacement · diffidence · insecurity · bashfulness
self-assertionshrinking back
Withdrawing from perceived threat
withdrawal · holding back · silence · invisibility · wallflower behavior
self, assert, selfless, assertive, self-esteem, assertion, unassertive, asserting, asserted