Is there a difference between “assertion” and “assertation”

differencesword-choice

In software development we use the word Assert frequently. While working I had to describe some of the code I was working on. I was going to write that…

This function makes the assertion that x is expected to be y.

While writing the sentence, which I actually have not yet finished, I had the realization that I could also write…

This function makes the assertation that x is expected to be y.

I got stuck trying to figure out if there was a difference between the two words:

  1. Assertion
  2. Assertation

I noticed quickly that assertation is red-lighted by my spell-checker, however, I was positive that assertation is a word. I did the obvious thing to do for any similar situation, and referred to a dictionary (I like Webster, so that's what I used).

Here is what the Webster American English Dictionary had to say:

Definition of Assertion

: the act of asserting or something that is asserted: such as

  • a : insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute) an assertion of ownership/innocence
  • b : a declaration that something is the case He presented no evidence to support his assertions.

  — Webster Dictionary

Definition of Assertation

  • : the act of asserting or something that is asserted : assertion

  — Webster Dictionary

At this point I still can't find a difference, or at least I don't see one. I also don't understand why assertation is being flagged by my spell checker, because the Webster online dictionary shows assertation being used in all sorts of published articles & documents.

Does anyone know if there is a reason I shouldn't use assertation, or if there is a difference between the two words?
The only thing I can think of is that either: The difference is contingent on context, one is preferred by British English speakers, or that there is no difference.

If there is no difference, any notes on why there are two versions would be helpful.

Best Answer

From Robert Hartwell Fiske's Dictionary of Unendurable English:

assertation Misused for assertion.

  • I would dispute your assertation. USE assertion.
  • I can't say enough that this assertation is categorically, absolutely, and unconditionally wrong. USE assertion.
  • Given Miller's assertation that he knew of "at least three" teams willing to pay Boozer's $10.97 million salary, it appears that other teams have called to inquire about the forward. USE assertion.

Assertation, a thoroughly obsolete word used by fearfully modern people, is incorrect for assertion. Assertation—like the equally preposterous documentate (instead of document) and opinionation (instead of opinion)—is spoken or written by people who do not well know the words they use, by people who do not often read, by people who do not cavil over adding a syllable or two to a word: humanity lies elsewhere.

There's no difference between the two words, but I would use the more common1 2, rather, correct term, i.e., assertion.

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