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

And importantly, Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership is an affirmation of its sovereignty, putting it in equal standing with its former occupier, Indonesia, within the regional bloc. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

To be human is to be needy, and to seek affirmation and solace. —Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025

Led by cultural artist and storyteller Lillian Grant Baptiste, this community gathering features storytelling, drumming, dance, a libation ritual, candle lighting, and a closing affirmation of unity. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Her bridal party went viral for the prayers and affirmations the couple wrote on bayleaves that were put into a cinnamon broom handmade by Monaleo’s grandmother. —Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 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