affirm

[uh-furm]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of affirm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of affirm¹

C14: via Old French from Latin affirmāre to present (something) as firm or fixed, assert, from ad- to + firmāre to make _firm ¹

Synonym Study

See declare.

Example Sentences

The Quad affirmed its plan in September and met again Washington last month.

Read more on BBC

The overwhelming majority backed the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the full divinity of Jesus, declaring he is “of one substance” and thus equal to God the Father.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 325 AD, among other key decisions, more than 200 bishops at the council affirmed the belief that Jesus was the son of God, eventually leading to what is known as the Nicene Creed.

Read more on BBC

A three-judge panel weighs the facts and issues a ruling, which then goes directly to the Supreme Court to be affirmed or reversed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The U.S. “affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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