affirm

American  

[uh-furm] / əˈfɜrm /

verb (used with object)

1. to state or assert positively; maintain as true.

   to affirm one's loyalty to one's country; He affirmed that all was well.

   Synonyms:

   testify, depose, asseverate, aver

   Antonyms:

   deny

2. to confirm or ratify.

   The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the lower court.

   Synonyms:

   endorse, approve

3. to assert solemnly.

   He affirmed his innocence.

4. to express agreement with or commitment to; uphold; support.

   to affirm human rights.

5. to support (someone) by giving approval, recognition, or encouragement.

   She described the unhappy memory of her father, who had neither disciplined nor affirmed her.

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verb (used without object)

1. Law.

   1. to state something solemnly before a court or magistrate, but without oath.

   2. to ratify and accept a voidable transaction.

   3. (of an appellate court) to determine that the action of the lower court shall stand.

affirm British  

/ əˈfɜːm /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to declare to be true; assert positively

2. to uphold, confirm, or ratify

3. (intr) law to make an affirmation

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Related Words

See declare.

Other Word Forms

• affirmable adjective
• affirmably adverb
• affirmer noun
• affirmingly adverb
• overaffirm verb
• preaffirm verb
• reaffirm verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of affirm

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin affirmāre, equivalent to af- af- + firmāre “to make firm” ( firm ¹ ); replacing Middle English a(f)fermen, from Middle French afermer, from Latin

Example Sentences

ADF is technically organized as a ministry, and new employees sign a statement affirming their Christian beliefs.

From The Wall Street Journal

While human drivers don’t have the best track record and autonomous vehicles are a promising solution, recent reports of Waymos illegally passing offloading school buses affirm that a measured and informed approach is warranted.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This letter affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters as it expresses our concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction,” Hicks said in November.

From The Wall Street Journal

And so seeing the reaction has been so affirming and pretty magical because it’s not always the case that it translates the same as how it feels for you, that the audience feels that too.

From Los Angeles Times

I was always affirming myself and keeping my feet on the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assert
• confirm
• declare
• guarantee
• insist
• maintain
• profess
• ratify
• repeat