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

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

From BBC

The ratings company affirmed its “Aa2” issuer rating, saying that despite the city’s “still-favorable economic conditions,” the projected budget gaps signal underlying structural imbalance and less financial flexibility.

From Barron's

All available sources focus on supporting the documentary about Brent Renaud and affirming the importance of journalism in conflict zones.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Styles obviously mastered pleasant-sounding and mildly affirming electronic pop and there’s nothing particularly embarrassing on the album, but one almost wishes there were a few stumbles.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The election results were certified, litigated, and affirmed," Mayes said in a statement.

From Barron's

Related Words

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