affirmative

1 of 2

adjective

af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv How to pronounce affirmative (audio)
1
: asserting that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
affirmative proof
2
: positive
an affirmative approach
3
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
was on the affirmative side in the debate
4
logic : asserting a predicate of a subject
affirmatively adverb
responded affirmatively

affirmative

2 of 2

noun

1
: an expression (such as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2
: the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
3
logic : an affirmative (see affirmative entry 1 sense 4) proposition
Phrases
in the affirmative
: with an affirmative reply : with a reply that means "yes"
He answered in the affirmative.

Examples of affirmative in a Sentence

Adjective She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer. Noun we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Yellen's speech also appears aimed in part at fellow Democrats, making the affirmative case that trade creates economic benefits for American citizens and cements geopolitical ties with allies. Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 Conservatives have long answered in the affirmative, while progressives have been more wary of saying that families headed by two parents are better for children. Michael J. Petrilli, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
The weather might not have been the best, but for anyone looking for reassurance that Mardi Gras was going to stay weird in 2023, the evening provided an energetic affirmative. al, 11 Feb. 2023 The answer, to my mind, is a resounding affirmative. Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for affirmative 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, borrowed from Late Latin affirmātīvus, from Latin affirmātus (past participle of affirmāre "to affirm") + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, noun derivative of affirmatif affirmative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of affirmative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near affirmative

Cite this Entry

“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmative. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

affirmative

1 of 2 adjective
af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mət-iv How to pronounce affirmative (audio)
1
: declaring that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
2
: being positive or helpful
take an affirmative approach
affirmatively adverb

affirmative

2 of 2 noun
1
: an expression (as the word yes) of agreement
2
: the affirmative side in a debate or vote

Legal Definition

affirmative

adjective
af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv How to pronounce affirmative (audio)
1
: asserting the existence of certain facts especially in support of a cause of action
affirmative proof
2
: resulting from an intentional act
affirmative concealment
3
: involving or requiring application of effort
an affirmative duty
4
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
affirmatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on affirmative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!