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

These unique cards offer a lighthearted and witty take on traditional affirmations, boosting positivity with a touch of sarcasm. —Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2023

Appearance affirmation The Trevor Project study cites responses from transgender and nonbinary youth that suggest validating their new appearance preferences can inspire gender euphoria.3 Doing so can be as simple as saying how great their new hairstyle or clothes choices look. —Taylor Grothe, Parents, 15 Nov. 2023

The festivities did not convince me that the weekend’s method of collective assessment and affirmation could chug along much longer—nor that a centennial celebration could predict the direction in which a reputation is headed. —Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023

Remind him that part of being a good colleague is knowing how to accept criticism without needing affirmation or immediately refuting the feedback. —Roxane Gay, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2023

The program is built on 13 affirmations that are intended to support members in changing their self-image and worldview. —Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2023

There’s neon everywhere, a giant fire-spewing metal Praying Mantis by the festival’s entrance, and fitting to the Life Is Beautiful message, words of affirmation adorn fences across the festival grounds and the stage screens. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2023

What is the difference between the affirmations that Brandie's Community Corps believe in and Elizabeth's placebo work at Wellness? 15. —Andrew Ridker, CBS News, 19 Sep. 2023

Poster To Start The Day Off Right Transform any space into a haven of positivity with this Affirmation Poster that exudes a serene vibe with its daily affirmations and soothing colors. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2023

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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

• gender affirmation surgery
• self-affirmation