affirmative

1 of 2

adjective

af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv 

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 affirmatively

affirmative

2 of 2

noun

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 affirmative entry 1 sense 4) proposition

Phrases

in the affirmative

: with an affirmative reply : with a reply that means "yes"

He answered in the affirmative.

Synonyms

Noun

• approval
• acceptance
• yes

Examples of affirmative in a Sentence

Adjective

She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.

Noun

we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Joe took the affirmative step of filing a lawsuit for defamation against Dixon in April, and also against Dixon's lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, for intentional infliction of emotional distress. —Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 20 June 2025

Gallego’s comment suggests that Democrats, flailing for an affirmative policy on the border and immigration, may also see employers, rather than workers, at the center of the debate. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 June 2025

Noun

Those specific affirmatives can support the creativity of NFL defensive coordinators such as Vic Fangio. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 19 May 2025

The weather might not have been the best, but for anyone looking for reassurance that Mardi Gras was going to stay weird in 2023, the evening provided an energetic affirmative. —al, 11 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, borrowed from Late Latin affirmātīvus, from Latin affirmātus (past participle of affirmāre "to affirm") + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, noun derivative of affirmatif affirmative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing affirmative

• affirmative action
• in the affirmative

Kids Definition

affirmative

1 of 2 adjective

af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mət-iv 

1

: declaring that the fact is so

gave an affirmative answer

2

: being positive or helpful

take an affirmative approach

affirmatively adverb

affirmative

2 of 2 noun

1

: an expression (as the word yes) of agreement

2

: the affirmative side in a debate or vote

Legal Definition

affirmative

adjective

af·​fir·​ma·​tive ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv 

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 adverb