/euh sev"euh rayt'/ , v.t., asseverated, asseverating .
to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.
[ 1785-95; asseveratus spoken in earnest (ptp. of asseverare ), equiv. to as- AS- + sever- (see SEVERE) + -atus -ATE 1 ]
Syn . assert, state, maintain.