affirmance

noun

af·​firm·​ance ə-ˈfər-mən(t)s How to pronounce affirmance (audio)
plural -s
: a strong declaration : affirmation:
a
: an affirming of or assent to the existence, truth, or validity (as of a statement)
b
: a decision by a person to deal with an unauthorized act as though authorized
c
: a confirmation by a superior court of the validity and correctness of a judgment, decree, or order of a lower court

Word History

Etymology

Middle English affermance, affirmaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmance, affermance, from affermer "to affirm" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of affirmance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Affirmance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmance. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

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