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

With its shimmering presence now gracing India House, the artwork will serve as a beacon for environmental awareness, a celebration of diasporic creativity, and a visual affirmation of the power of art to connect, inspire, and provoke change. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Despite judicial affirmation of the standard, the rule has seen steady opposition — particularly by the Trump administration. —Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 2025

Practice mindfulness, focus on the feeling, and/or say pleasure affirmations to stay present. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 31 July 2025

Mayor Michelle Wu’s financial chief described the Department of Revenue’s findings as affirmation that the city abides by the law in assessing property values. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 July 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