Aver vs. Avow: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Aver means to state or assert something confidently, while avow means to openly declare or confess something, often related to personal beliefs or feelings.
Key Differences
Aver means to assert something confidently and formally. It is often used in legal contexts where a person makes a factual statement or claim with certainty. For instance, one might aver their innocence during a court trial. Avow, on the other hand, means to openly declare or confess something, typically related to personal beliefs, feelings, or intentions. It carries a sense of acknowledgment and personal admission. For example, someone might avow their love for another person or their commitment to a cause.
In terms of usage, aver is more commonly found in formal or legal settings. It implies a level of confidence and formality, often requiring evidence or support. For instance, "The defendant averred that he was at home during the incident." Avow is often used in personal or public declarations. It suggests a more personal and emotional acknowledgment, often without the necessity for supporting evidence. For example, "She avowed her dedication to environmental conservation."
Aver is less about personal sentiments and more about presenting a fact or a statement that one believes to be true. It is factual and often demands verification. In legal contexts, averring something usually involves providing supporting evidence or testimony. Avow, in contrast, is about expressing one’s beliefs or emotions openly. It is more subjective and does not necessarily require evidence. Avowing something is about declaring one's stance or feelings clearly and publicly, often as a form of commitment or confession.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
To state or assert confidently
To openly declare or confess
Usage Context
Formal, legal settings
Personal, public declarations
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Connotation
Factual, requires evidence
Emotional, personal acknowledgment
Formality
High
Moderate
Example Sentence
"He averred his innocence in court."
"She avowed her love for him."
Aver and Avow Definitions
Aver
To state confidently and assertively.
He averred that he had never seen the suspect before.
Avow
To openly declare or confess something.
He avowed his intention to run for office.
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Aver
To assert something as a fact.
The report averred that the company was profitable.
Avow
To assert or confess openly.
She avowed her support for the new policy.
Aver
To declare formally in a legal context.
The witness averred the facts under oath.
Avow
To acknowledge or declare openly and without shame.
She avowed her admiration for the author.
Aver
To allege or affirm with confidence.
The lawyer averred that the evidence was conclusive.
Avow
To acknowledge or declare openly and unashamedly
Avowed their faith in the electoral process.
Aver
To claim or profess.
She averred her right to the property.
Avow
To state positively; declare
"Various church councils have avowed that evolution poses no threat to supernatural belief" (Frederick C. Crews).
Aver
To affirm positively; declare
"Liberal politicians ... found it necessary to aver that they were in favor of rigid economy in public spending too" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Avow
(transitive) To declare openly and boldly, as something believed to be right; to own, acknowledge or confess frankly.
Aver
(Law) To assert formally as a fact.
Avow
(transitive) To bind or devote by a vow.
Aver
(ambitransitive) To assert the truth of (something); to affirm (something) with confidence; to declare (something) in a positive manner.
Avow
(legal) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See avowry.
Aver
To justify or prove (an allegation or plea that one has made).
Avow
(obsolete) avowal
Aver
To avouch, prove, or verify the existence or happening of (something), or to offer to do so.
Avow
To declare openly, as something believed to be right; to own or acknowledge frankly; as, a man avows his principles or his crimes.
Which I to be the of Israel's GodAvow, and challenge Dagon to the test.
Aver
A beast of burden; chiefly a workhorse, but also a working ox or other animal.
Avow
To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See Avowry.
Aver
An old, useless horse; a nag.
Avow
To bind, or to devote, by a vow.
Aver
A work horse, or working ox.
Avow
Avowal.
Aver
To assert, or prove, the truth of.
Avow
A vow or determination.
Aver
To avouch or verify; to offer to verify; to prove or justify. See Averment.
Avow
To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true;
Before God I swear I am innocent
Aver
To affirm with confidence; to declare in a positive manner, as in confidence of asserting the truth.
It is sufficient that the very fact hath its foundation in truth, as I do seriously aver is the case.
Then all averred I had killed the bird.
Avow
Admit openly and bluntly; make no bones about
Aver
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
Avow
To admit openly and bluntly.
He avowed his guilt before the jury.
Aver
To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true;
Before God I swear I am innocent
Avow
To confess or acknowledge one's beliefs or feelings.
He avowed his love in a heartfelt letter.
FAQs
What does avow mean?
Avow means to openly declare or confess something, usually related to personal beliefs or feelings.
Is aver more formal than avow?
Yes, aver is generally more formal and is often used in legal contexts.
How is aver used in a sentence?
e.g., "The scientist averred that the results were conclusive."
Does aver require evidence?
Aver often implies that the statement made is supported by evidence or proof.
What does aver mean?
Aver means to state or assert something confidently, often in a formal or legal context.
Can aver and avow be used interchangeably?
No, aver and avow have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts.
How is avow used in a sentence?
e.g., "She avowed her loyalty to the cause."
Can avow be used in legal contexts?
While avow can be used in legal contexts, it is less common than aver and usually pertains to personal declarations.
Is avow used in everyday conversation?
Avow is used in everyday conversation, particularly when someone wants to express strong personal beliefs or feelings.
Is aver used in everyday conversation?
Aver is less common in everyday conversation and is more frequently used in formal or legal language.
What is an example of aver in legal context?
e.g., "The contract averred the terms of the agreement clearly."
Is avow related to personal feelings?
Yes, avow often involves personal feelings or beliefs being openly declared.
Can aver be used to describe an opinion?
Aver is typically used to assert facts rather than opinions.
Can avow be used for commitments?
Yes, avow can be used to express commitments or promises.
What is a synonym for aver?
A synonym for aver is assert.
What is a synonym for avow?
A synonym for avow is confess.
What is the noun form of aver?
The noun form is averment.
What is the noun form of avow?
The noun form is avowal.
What is an example of avow in personal context?
e.g., "He avowed his dedication to volunteer work."
What part of speech are aver and avow?
Both aver and avow are verbs.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
