Affirmative: meaning, definitions and examples

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affirmative

[əˈfərmətɪv ]

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?

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?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 one’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "affirmative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afirmativo

🇮🇳 सकारात्मक

🇩🇪 bejahend

🇮🇩 afirmatif

🇺🇦 стверджувальний

🇵🇱 twierdzący

🇯🇵 肯定的

🇫🇷 affirmatif

🇪🇸 afirmativo

🇹🇷 olumlu

🇰🇷 긍정적인

🇸🇦 إيجابي

🇨🇿 kladný

🇸🇰 kladný

🇨🇳 肯定的

🇸🇮 trdilen

🇮🇸 jákvæður

🇰🇿 оң

🇬🇪 დადებითი

🇦🇿 müsbət

🇲🇽 afirmativo

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.

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4470 friction
4471 commanded
4472 lawful
4473 affirmative
4474 codes
4475 dull
4476 entities
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