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 of affirmation

• declaration
• assertion
• insistence

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

So to find herself so far from Alicent’s kindness and affirmation is really stark. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026

Wellness touches abound, from three types of healing bath salts to positive affirmations on the clothes hangers and musical instruments to strum in lieu of a TV (although the latter is available on request). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026

Encourage employees to replace self-blame with intentional affirmations. — Dr. Erika Rasure, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Within days, the Florida Supreme Court issued its own guidelines, rendering the separate affirmation redundant. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026

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

Rhymes for affirmation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation