affirmation

[af-er-mey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or an instance of affirming; state of being affirmed.

2. the assertion that something exists or is true.

3. something that is affirmed; a statement or proposition that is declared to be true.

4. confirmation or ratification of the truth or validity of a prior judgment, decision, etc.

5. Law.,  a solemn declaration accepted instead of a statement under oath.

affirmation

/ ˌæfəˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of affirming or the state of being affirmed

2. a statement of the existence or truth of something; assertion

3. law a solemn declaration permitted on grounds of conscientious objection to taking an oath

Other Word Forms

• nonaffirmation noun
• overaffirmation noun
• preaffirmation noun
• reaffirmation noun
• self-affirmation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affirmation¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin affirmātiōn-, stem of affirmātiō, equivalent to affirmāt(us) (past participle of affirmāre affirm ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

“Tell yourself, ‘I’m enjoying tonight regardless,’ repeating positive affirmations to yourself, which can lower stress and cortisol levels.”

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The sessions, where Matsuzawa focuses on mindset therapy, positive thinking and affirmation, not only aided his mentality but also improved his mechanics.

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It’s not so much an affirmation of socialism, among the young, as it is a desire to be politically relevant.

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“He’s an extreme example of someone who had no work to be seen for, but was so desperately looking for affirmation and love.”

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The point guard was coming home after what felt more like an affirmation than a recruitment.

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Related Words

• assertion 
• confirmation