affirming

adjective

af·​firm·​ing ə-ˈfər-miŋ 

: providing affirmation : showing or expressing recognition of worthiness or validity

I found his positive feedback very affirming.

Smith listened actively—truly actively: scrunching her eyebrows; emitting affirming, deeply sympathetic sounds; never letting her attention so much as flicker.

—Susan Dominus

—often used in combination

gender-affirming care

When it comes to self-talk, use language that is self-affirming and hopeful.

—Giselle Espinoza

see also gender-affirming surgery, life-affirming

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of affirm

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing affirming

• gender-affirming surgery
• life-affirming

Rhymes for affirming

• confirming
• firming
• squirming
• terming
• worming
• reaffirming