affirmation

American  

[af-er-mey-shuhn] / ˌæf ərˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

affirmations plural

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.

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affirmation British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• affirmations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of affirmation

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

Explanation

An affirmation is a big fat YES, an assertion that something is true. Affirmations can show up in court, or taped to the walls of people who need reassurance. In court, it's a judgment from a higher court that agrees with one from a lower one, or something a religious person who doesn't want to take an oath can use. Quakers use affirmations on the stand instead of swearing, because they always speak plainly. It means to assure, or agree, so you might find affirmations like "You're awesome!" or "Lookin' good" taped to the mirror of people who need to chin up.

Example Sentences

“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is,” Obama said during his remarks.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Seventeen years later, he’s still seeking that affirmation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

They are, at their best, an affirmation of meaning and sacrifice.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

But NPR chief executive Katherine Maher celebrated the ruling as a "decisive affirmation of the rights of a free and independent press."

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Instead of affirming an idea, you effect its affirmation; rather than postponing something, you implement a postponement.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• assertion
• confirmation