in the affirmative

phrase

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

He answered in the affirmative.

Examples of in the affirmative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The Bills’ 195 passing yards and 83 rushing yards in the first half would answer in the affirmative. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of in the affirmative was circa 1626

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“In the affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20affirmative. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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