affirmation

American  

[af-er-mey-shuhn] / ˌæf ərˈmeɪ ʃən /

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.

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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

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

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

During those beginning months, you are still in “arrival mode” and looking everywhere for affirmation that you made the right decision.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 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

"All Rise has that triumphant feeling and affirmation of our common humanity in spite of the tribulations and pitfalls."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Fitch said its affirmation reflects Indonesia’s track record of macroeconomic and financial stability, solid growth prospects and a relatively modest government debt burden.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

So I became ill of affirmation, of saying "yes" against the nay-saying of my stomach—not to mention my brain.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• assertion
• confirmation