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

Groupthink, affirmation bias and collective blind spots have led to all manners of disasters in the past. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025

Centered on love, self-worth, and emotional well-being, the episodes weave affirmations with real conversations about relationships, healing, and personal growth. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Sep. 2025

Haneline hopes that teachers, students and other parents can use the affirmations in their daily lives to help build confidence and a stronger self-image. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025

There was quiet affirmation sprinkled throughout this game that Vance Joseph's defense can and will keep the Broncos afloat in the playoff race, no matter how hapless their offense remains. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 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