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

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

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