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

• 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

Good friends and positive affirmations always help. —Akili King, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025

At a time when so many negative narratives surround the Latino community, this kind of cultural affirmation matters deeply. —Ana Mariella Rivera, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025

While the braille labels provide practical functionality for blind and visually impaired children, the affirmations and tactile elements invite all kids to engage with the product. —Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Everyone did their best, sensing the love and affirmation from this audience of their peers, families and friends. —Cory Trenda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025

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