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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

To affirm something is to give it a big "YES" or to confirm that it is true. The verb affirm means to answer positively, but it has a more weighty meaning in legal circles. People are asked to swear an oath or affirm that they will tell the truth in a court of law. Lawyers may ask people to affirm facts, and judges may affirm rulings. In these cases, affirm means to verify or attest to the validity of something.

Example Sentences

The available sources support and affirm the article’s characterization rather than present opposing arguments.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

It requires restraint, patience and a willingness to confront ideas that don't affirm one’s own perspective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Upholding these bans would affirm that professional standards and evidence-based practices still govern licensed treatment.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

"We categorically affirm that these claims are entirely false," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

I condemn and affirm, say no and say yes, say yes and say no.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

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