affirmation

noun

af·​fir·​ma·​tion ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

a

: the act of affirming

nodded his head in affirmation

b

: something affirmed : a positive assertion

His memoir is a reflective affirmation of family love.

2

law : a solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury by a person who conscientiously declines taking an oath

Synonyms

• assertion
• asseveration
• avouchment
• avowal
• claim
• declaration
• insistence
• profession
• protestation

Examples of affirmation in a Sentence

a sworn affirmation that he had never acted as a spy for the enemy

Recent Examples on the Web

Every little facet of their lives becomes a perplexing anthropological study, an affirmation to older people that youth is wasted on the young. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025

The institute suggests that while compliments on appearance can make children feel loved, they should be balanced with affirmations of their abilities and character. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Each adventure on the platform reflects real-life experiences, adding humor, life lessons, and affirmations that promote self-confidence, curiosity, and ingenuity. —Okla Jones, Essence, 29 Jan. 2025

When jealousy arises, take a moment to pause and replace those thoughts with affirmations of trust in your partner and your relationship. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English affirmacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmation, affermacion, borrowed from Latin affirmātiōn-, affirmātiō, from affirmāre "to affirm" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing affirmation

• gender affirmation surgery
• self-affirmation

Rhymes for affirmation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation