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

Phaedra tries to set a positive tone by encouraging the group to share affirmations at the table, hoping to foster unity within the sister circle. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024

China stocks led losses in Asia Friday as Beijing’s affirmation of its recent policy shifts and plans to boost growth, following a high-profile meeting Thursday, appeared to have fallen short of investors’ expectations. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

One partner, a passionate environmentalist, may present research, share personal stories and seek affirmation from their significant other, who is a dedicated meat-eater. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Other methods parents use include repeating affirmations, and turning to a physical outlet to let off steam—a more popular strategy for parents of boys, incidentally. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Nov. 2024

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