Definition

Verb: 1. To state or assert positively as a fact; to declare formally. This meaning emphasizes a confident, often solemn or official, declaration of something as true. 2. To allege or assert in legal contexts. This meaning is specifically used in law to state something as a fact in a pleading or as part of a legal argument.

Usage

The verb "aver" is formal and is most commonly found in legal, official, or solemn contexts. It is used to introduce a statement that the speaker presents as true and factual. It is often followed by a "that"-clause.

Examples

• General/Formal Assertion:
  • The witness averred that he had seen the defendant at the scene.
  • She averred her complete innocence to the committee.
• Legal Context:
  • In his defense, the lawyer averred that the contract had been signed under duress.
  • The plaintiff's statement of claim avers several instances of negligence.

Advanced Usage

• "To aver to" (less common): To affirm or testify to something.
  • He was willing to aver to the authenticity of the document.
• Used in formal writing to introduce a premise or a strongly held position.
  • The author avers that economic principles are universal.

Variants and Related Words

• Averment (noun): A positive statement or assertion, especially in a legal pleading.
  • The averments in the complaint were found to be insufficient.
• Averrable (adjective): Capable of being averred.

Synonyms

• Assert: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
• Declare: To announce something formally or officially.
• Affirm: To state as a fact; to assert strongly and publicly.
• Allege: To claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof (common in legal contexts).
• Maintain: To state something strongly to be the case; to assert.

Antonyms

• Deny: To state that something is not true.
• Gainsay: To deny or contradict (formal).
• Retract: To withdraw a statement or opinion.

Notes

• "Aver" vs. "Assert": While similar, "aver" often carries a more formal, legal, or solemn connotation than the more general "assert."
• Grammar: "Aver" is typically used with a direct object or a "that"-clause. It is not commonly used in continuous tenses (e.g., "is averring").

Verb

1. to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
   • Before God I swear I am innocent
2. report or maintain
   • He alleged that he was the victim of a crime
   • He said it was too late to intervene in the war
   • The registrar says that I owe the school money