Affirmative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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affirmative

[ษ™หˆfษ™rmษ™tษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in agreement

affirmative means agreeing with or consenting to a statement or request. It indicates a positive response or confirmation.

Synonyms

agreed, confirming, positive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affirmative

Used in formal or official settings, especially in military or professional communication, to indicate agreement or confirmation.

  • The commander gave an affirmative response to proceed.
  • The doctor's answer was affirmative about the treatment's success.
positive

Used to express certainty or confidence about a favorable outcome, often in personal or motivational contexts.

  • She felt positive about her chances of getting the job.
  • His test results came back positive, showing improvement in his health.
agreed

Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate that two or more people have reached a mutual understanding or consensus.

  • We discussed the issue and finally agreed on a solution.
  • Everyone in the group agreed to meet at 7 PM.
confirming

Typically used in communication to verify or validate previously given information or arrangements.

  • I'm confirming our appointment for next Monday.
  • The email served the purpose of confirming the booking details.

Examples of usage

  • She gave an affirmative answer to his proposal.
  • The boss responded with an affirmative nod.
  • I need an affirmative response by tomorrow.
  • Her affirmative attitude helped the team succeed.
  • He received an affirmative reply to his job application.
Context #2 | Noun

grammar

affirmative is a grammatical term used to describe a positive statement or response. It is the opposite of negative.

Synonyms

assertive, positive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affirmative

Used to show agreement or confirmation, often in a formal or military setting.

  • The commander asked if the mission was understood, and the response was an affirmative 'Yes, sir!'.
positive

Used to describe a confident and optimistic attitude or agreement.

  • She has a positive attitude towards life, always expecting the best.
assertive

Describes someone who expresses their opinions or needs confidently and firmly, but not aggressively.

  • In a business meeting, it's important to be assertive to get your point across effectively.

Examples of usage

  • In English, an affirmative sentence typically follows subject-verb-object order.
  • The use of 'yes' is an example of an affirmative response.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The use of affirmative language is linked to positive thinking, helping to boost self-esteem and motivation.
  • Affirmations are often used in therapy to counter negative thoughts and reinforce positive beliefs.
  • Studies show that regularly repeating affirmations can lead to reduced stress and improved emotional well-being.

Communication

  • Affirmative responses in conversations often validate the speaker's feelings or opinions, fostering better relationships.
  • In formal contexts, such as meetings or debates, using affirmative language can clarify oneโ€™s stance and lead to constructive dialogue.
  • In non-verbal communication, nodding or saying 'uh-huh' are examples of affirmatives that indicate agreement.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'I affirm that' has been popularized in various media, often depicting characters committed to truth and accountability.
  • Affirmative actions and discussions in films often revolve around themes of social justice and empowerment.
  • Television programs often portray characters using affirmative language to create a sense of team spirit or camaraderie.

Education

  • In teaching, using affirmative feedback can encourage students to engage more actively in learning.
  • Affirmative assessments empower students by recognizing their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • In classroom settings, creating an atmosphere of affirmation can enhance student collaboration and participation.

Origin of 'affirmative'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'affirmare,' meaning to affirm or declare positively.
  • The term has roots in the Old French 'affirmer' that also means to assert or support.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century.

The word 'affirmative' originated from the Latin word 'affirmativus', which means 'confirming' or 'affirming'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The term gained popularity in legal and formal contexts to indicate agreement or confirmation.


See also: affirm, affirmation, affirmations, affirmer.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,473, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.