Definition of affirmative
1 : asserting that the fact is so gave an affirmative answer affirmative proof
2 : positive an affirmative approach
3 : favoring or supporting a proposition or motion an affirmative vote was on the affirmative side in the debate
4 logic : asserting a predicate of a subject
affirmatively
adverb responded affirmativelyRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of affirmative in a Sentence
She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.
Recent Examples of affirmative from the Web
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Affirmative action is hugely unpopular with white voters.
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Never mind that white women benefit the most from affirmative action.
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Ms. Kay, who favored affirmative action, complied with the law but tried to make up the difference by expanding Berkeley Law’s outreach.
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His awkward affirmative answer and quick shuffle away into the crowd didn’t reassure many.
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Republicans have no affirmative case for their health-care bill.
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Yet despite his desire for inclusion, Walton insists this is not an affirmative-action program.
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Commonly used to end a conversation or as an affirmative.
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Laurel began the process of applying for affirmative asylum, as opposed to a defensive application.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'affirmative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of affirmative
see affirm
Other Logic Terms
affirmative
Definition of affirmative
1 : an expression (such as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2 : the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
3 logic : an affirmative (see 1affirmative 4) proposition
in the affirmative
: with an affirmative reply : with a reply that means “yes” He answered in the affirmative.
Examples of affirmative in a Sentence
we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee
Origin and Etymology of affirmative
see affirm
AFFIRMATIVE Defined for English Language Learners
affirmative
playDefinition of affirmative for English Language Learners
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: saying or showing that the answer is “yes” rather than “no”
AFFIRMATIVE Defined for Kids
Definition of affirmative for Students
1 : saying or showing that the answer is "yes" He gave an affirmative answer.
2 : being positive or helpful Take an affirmative approach to the problem.
Definition of affirmative for Students
1 : an expression (as the word yes) of agreement
2 : the side that supports or votes for something
Law Dictionary
affirmative
playLegal Definition of affirmative
1 : asserting the existence of certain facts especially in support of a cause of action affirmative proof
2 : resulting from an intentional act affirmative concealment
3 : involving or requiring application of effort an affirmative duty
4 : favoring or supporting a proposition or motion an affirmative vote
affirmatively
adverbLearn More about affirmative
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for affirmative Spanish Central: Translation of affirmative Nglish: Translation of affirmative for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of affirmative for Arabic speakers
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