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affirm

verb
af·​firm | \ ə-ˈfərm How to pronounce affirm (audio) \
affirmed; affirming; affirms

Definition of affirm

transitive verb

1a : validate, confirm He was affirmed as a candidate.
b : to state positively He affirmed his innocence.
2 : to assert (something, such as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed The court affirmed his conviction.
3 : to show or express a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea) laws affirming the racial equality of all people

intransitive verb

1 : to testify or declare by affirmation (see affirmation sense 2) as distinguished from swearing an oath
2 : to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court
Other Words from affirm Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about affirm

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Other Words from affirm

affirmable \ ə-​ˈfər-​mə-​bəl How to pronounce affirmable (audio) \ adjective
affirmance \ ə-​ˈfər-​mən(t)s How to pronounce affirmance (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for affirm

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. asserted that modern music is just noise declare stresses open or public statement. declared her support for the candidate affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. affirmed the existence of an afterlife protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. protested that he really had been misquoted avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Examples of affirm in a Sentence

We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine. They neither affirmed nor denied their guilt. laws affirming the racial equality of all peoples They continued to affirm their religious beliefs. The decision was affirmed by a higher court.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 There’s little doubt that sports journalist Mitch Albom’s weepie, affirming memoir about reuniting with his college professor Morrie Schwartz could make a fine two-hander. — Lisa Kennedy, The Know, "From Steve Martin’s “Bright Star” to Cheryl Strayed’s “Tiny Beautiful Things,” 10 must-see fall plays in Colorado," 8 Sep. 2019 Meanwhile, Jay Bateman's defense held the Gamecocks to 270 yards, affirming why a lot of programs were trying to pry him away from Army after last season. — Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, "Tennessee stunned in worst loss ever and more college football observations from Week 1," 31 Aug. 2019 In time, Williams achieved milestones, motivated, in part, by Taylor’s guidance and affirming text messages. — Roy S. Johnson | Rjohnson@al.com, al, "Johnson: From Section 8 to homeowner, ‘It’s supposed to be a steppingstone’, not a dependency," 29 Aug. 2019 Ending collaboration with Trump’s deportation machine will align Howard County with its core value of civility, and affirm our belief that families belong together. — baltimoresun.com, "Letters: Howard’s contract with ICE makes communities less safe; and more from readers," 20 Aug. 2019 The Magna Carta, which affirmed the principle that no man, even a king, is above the law, is the basis for both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. — Cheryl Hall, Dallas News, "Remembering Ross Perot: Tom Luce gets tapped to authenticate a Magna Carta and bring it safely to Dallas," 12 July 2019 When the Supreme Court affirmed that conviction and sentence, Justice Richard Baldwin found but a single error by investigators, prosecutors and the trial court, and deemed it harmless. — oregonlive.com, "The most powerful argument for the death penalty: Steve Duin," 12 July 2019 The listing re-affirms van Dijk’s ambitions to transform the former newspaper publisher into a global consumer internet company. — Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, "Africa’s most valuable company has appointed its first black female CEO," 4 July 2019 Advocates say parents who affirm their children's identity can save their lives. — Andrea Reeves, Cincinnati.com, "Kentucky man gives out 'free dad hugs' at Cincinnati Pride, lifts up thousands on Facebook," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'affirm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of affirm

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for affirm

alteration (conformed to Latin affirmāre) of Middle English affermen "to fix firmly, make steadfast, establish, confirm, assert," borrowed from Anglo-French afermer, affermer, going back to Latin affirmāre "to strengthen, confirm, assert positively," from ad- ad- + firmāre "to strengthen, fortify," derivative of firmus "strong, durable, firm entry 1"

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More Definitions for affirm

affirm

verb
How to pronounce affirm (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of affirm

formal : to say that something is true in a confident way
formal : to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)
law : to decide that the judgment of another court is correct

See the full definition for affirm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

affirm

verb
af·​firm | \ ə-ˈfərm How to pronounce affirm (audio) \
affirmed; affirming

Kids Definition of affirm

: to declare that something is true The man affirms that he is innocent.

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