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

For now, the energy group said it has enough crude and refined oil stockpiled to ensure smooth output and operations, affirming that it has secured enough resources for the second quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think the accident affirmed what I was always worried about, knowing life can just change in an instant and things aren't always in your control," Judd says.

From BBC

At its recent meeting, the Fed affirmed it remains in rate-cutting mode.

From The Wall Street Journal

To get to that point, they would have to make two declarations affirming their wishes, as well as passing checks from doctors to see if they had been coerced or influenced.

From BBC

Those treaty rights are protected by the Canadian constitution, which recognises and affirms them.

From BBC

Related Words

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