Affirm: meaning, definitions and examples

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affirm

 

[ əˈfəːm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to confirm

To affirm means to validate or confirm a statement, belief, or action. It is a strong declaration of agreement or support.

Synonyms

assert, confirm, declare, endorse, validate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affirm

Use this word when you want to show strong and confident agreement, especially in a formal or serious conversation.

  • She affirmed her commitment to the project.
  • The witness affirmed the truth of his statement.
confirm

Use this when you need to show that something is definitely true or when verifying information.

  • The test confirmed his suspicions.
  • Please confirm your attendance by tomorrow.
validate

Use this when you need to show that something is accurate or acceptable, often through evidence or proof.

  • The findings were validated by further research.
  • She felt validated by her friend's kind words.
endorse

This means to publicly or officially show support for someone or something, often in a formal setting.

  • The senator endorsed the new bill.
  • Many celebrities endorse this product.
assert

This word is used when you want to state something confidently and forcefully.

  • He asserted his authority over the team.
  • She asserted that the new policy would benefit everyone.
declare

This word is ideal for making something known publicly or officially.

  • They declared their support for the new law.
  • He declared his intention to run for president.

Examples of usage

  • She affirmed her commitment to the project.
  • The witness affirmed that he saw the suspect at the scene of the crime.
  • He affirmed his belief in the importance of education.
  • The court affirmed the lower court's decision.
  • I affirm that I will stand by you no matter what.
Context #2 | Verb

to assert positively

To affirm can also mean to assert something positively or with confidence. It is a way of stating something clearly and unequivocally.

Synonyms

assert, avow, maintain, proclaim, state.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affirm

Use this word when you want to express confirmation or support for something in a formal or serious manner.

  • She affirmed her belief in the company's mission.
  • The judge affirmed the decision of the lower court.
assert

This word is used when you are stating something confidently and forcefully, often to claim a fact or a belief.

  • He asserted his innocence during the trial.
  • She asserted her right to speak in the meeting.
avow

Choose 'avow' when you are openly declaring something, usually regarding feelings or intentions, and it often implies honesty and openness.

  • He avowed his love for her in front of everyone.
  • She avowed her commitment to the cause.
maintain

This word is appropriate when you are continuing to assert something despite opposition or proof to the contrary, indicating persistence.

  • She maintains that the product is safe despite the reports.
  • He maintains his innocence even after the verdict.
state

This is a versatile word used for simply expressing a fact, opinion, or belief in a clear and straightforward manner.

  • She stated her name and address to the officer.
  • He stated that he was unable to attend the meeting.
proclaim

Use this word when you are announcing something to the public or a large audience, often with an element of formality or ceremony.

  • The mayor proclaimed a new holiday in the city.
  • They proclaimed their victory to the world.

Examples of usage

  • She affirmed her innocence in the matter.
  • He affirmed that he would complete the task on time.
  • The leader affirmed his commitment to the cause.
  • I affirm that I have never met the person before.
  • She affirmed her decision to pursue further studies.

Translations

Translations of the word "affirm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afirmar

🇮🇳 पुष्टि करना

🇩🇪 bestätigen

🇮🇩 menegaskan

🇺🇦 підтверджувати

🇵🇱 potwierdzać

🇯🇵 確認する (kakunin suru)

🇫🇷 affirmer

🇪🇸 afirmar

🇹🇷 onaylamak

🇰🇷 확인하다 (hwagin-hada)

🇸🇦 يؤكد (yu'akkid)

🇨🇿 potvrdit

🇸🇰 potvrdiť

🇨🇳 确认 (quèrèn)

🇸🇮 potrditi

🇮🇸 staðfesta

🇰🇿 растау

🇬🇪 დაემტკიცოს (daemṭkitzos)

🇦🇿 təsdiqləmək

🇲🇽 afirmar

Etymology

The word 'affirm' originated from the Latin word 'affirmare', which means 'to strengthen' or 'to make steady'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'affirm' has come to signify the act of confirming or validating a statement, belief, or action. The usage of 'affirm' has evolved to encompass both the idea of confirming something and asserting something positively.

See also: affirmation, affirmations, affirmative, affirmer.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,746 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.