affirmation

noun

af·​fir·​ma·​tion ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce affirmation (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Growth — heady, unrelenting — was not only the natural order of things, but an affirmation. Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025 For those looking to enjoy more festive treats, Van Leeuwen launched five new pints inspired by the five love languages: gift-giving, words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time and acts of service. Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 For Hayes, words of wisdom or affirmations written on notecards are a personal favorite. Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Jan. 2025 Since a lot of the manifestations of writing down an affirmation or visualizing are happening on a conscious level, hypnotherapy can touch on what is not getting covered, which is the subconscious. Essence, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for affirmation 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near affirmation

Cite this Entry

“Affirmation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affirmation

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!