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

The recommendations, which were published in the medical journal Stroke, also warn that trans women who take the hormone estrogen for gender affirmation care may face a higher stroke risk. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2024

Or try the other love languages Besides physical touch, the other four love languages are: quality time, acts of service, words of affirmation (compliments), and gifts. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2024

As for the actors' consent to film the scene, Judge Fujie interprets Hussey and Whiting's participation in anniversary screenings and other events tied to the film over the years acts as a kind of continuous affirmation of consent. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Or, rather, Jennifer is the victim of Needy’s thirst for affirmation as a way to stay closeted in high school. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 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