Affirmed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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affirmed
[əˈfɜrmd ]
Definition
legal context
To affirm means to state or assert positively; to confirm the validity or truth of something. In legal terms, it refers to the confirmation of a lower court's decision by a higher court. An affirmation does not change the outcome, but it strengthens the authority of the original ruling. This term is often used in discussions about court cases and decisions.
Synonyms
assert, confirm, declare, maintain.
Examples of usage
- The judge affirmed the previous ruling.
- The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court.
- She affirmed her commitment to the project.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Affirmations are positive statements that can help boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Research shows that repeating affirming phrases can actually change brain patterns and promote mental well-being.
- Using affirmation techniques can lead to better performance under stress and improved overall resilience.
Law
- In legal contexts, to affirm is to validate a lower court's decision, ensuring that the ruling stands.
- Affirmation can occur in various types of cases, including civil, criminal, and family law.
- An affirmed judgment means that the higher court agrees with the conclusions drawn by the lower court.
Literature
- In literature, affirmed statements affirm a character's beliefs or emotions, adding depth to their development.
- In poetry, affirmation can serve as a powerful device to underscore themes or feelings.
- Writers often use affirmation to convey confidence, optimism, or the resolution of a conflict in storytelling.
Pop Culture
- Affirmation statements and self-help mantras are popularized in various media, including books and podcasts.
- Celebrities often share affirmations on social media to promote positivity among their followers.
- The phrase 'I am enough' has become a widely recognized affirmation, encouraging self-acceptance.
Origin of 'affirmed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'affirmare', meaning 'to make firm or strengthen'.
- In the 14th century, it entered Middle English, showing the long history of its use.
- Originally used in legal contexts, it has evolved into everyday language to express support or confirmation.
The word 'affirmed' originates from the Latin term 'affirmare', which means 'to make firm or strong'. This Latin term combines 'ad-' (meaning 'to, towards') and 'firmare' (meaning 'to make firm'). The usage of 'affirm' in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, where it was used in contexts related to declarations or statements of truth. Over the years, its legal connotations developed as it was increasingly used in judicial settings to describe the ratification of decisions. The derivative 'affirmed' is simply the past tense of 'affirm', used to indicate that something was confirmed or declared in the past. As legal systems evolved, the term became crucial in identifying the action taken by appellate courts to uphold or reject lower court decisions.