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 verb1 a: validate, confirm b: to state positively <he affirmed his innocence>2: to assert (as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed3: to express dedication to <affirm life>intransitive verb1: to testify or declare by affirmation as distinguished from swearing an oath2: 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