Main Entry: af·firm

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈfərm\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English affermen, from Anglo-French afermer, from Latin affirmare, from ad- + firmare to make firm, from firmus firm — more at firm

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : validate, confirm b : to state positively <he affirmed his innocence>
2 : to assert (as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed
3 : to express dedication to <affirm life>intransitive verb 1 : to testify or declare by affirmation as distinguished from swearing an oath
2 : to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court

synonyms see assert

— af·firm·able \ə-ˈfər-mə-bəl\ adjective

— af·fir·mance \ə-ˈfər-mən(t)s\ noun