affirm
- 01 C1 Advanced
v.to state strongly and publicly that something is true.
v.to assert something positively or maintain it as true with confidence.
Simple“The spokesperson continued to affirm that the company had done nothing wrong.”
In context“Throughout the cross-examination, the witness continued to affirm her original statement despite the lawyer's attempts to confuse her.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to show that you support a person, a feeling, or a choice.
v.to provide emotional support or validation for a person's identity, experiences, or values.
Simple“It is important for parents to affirm their children's efforts, not just their grades.”
In context“The therapist worked to affirm the patient's feelings, helping them build the confidence needed to make significant life changes.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to officially agree with a legal decision made by a lower court.
v.to confirm or ratify a judgment, decree, or order brought before an appellate court for review.
Simple“The Supreme Court chose to affirm the lower court's decision.”
In context“The appellate court moved to affirm the original ruling, citing a lack of procedural errors during the initial trial.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to make a serious promise to tell the truth in court without swearing a religious oath.
v.to make a solemn declaration under the penalty of perjury, used by those who object to taking a religious oath.
Simple“The witness asked to affirm rather than swear on a Bible.”
In context“In many jurisdictions, individuals have the right to affirm their testimony if their personal beliefs preclude the taking of a traditional oath.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
interj.a word used in radio communication to mean 'yes' or 'correct'.
interj.a standard procedural word used in radiotelephony to signify an affirmative response, avoiding the phonetic ambiguity of 'yes'.
Simple“The pilot replied 'affirm' when the tower asked if they were ready for takeoff.”
In context“The air traffic controller waited for the pilot to affirm the heading change before clearing the next aircraft for approach.”
UsageUsed primarily in aviation and military radio protocols.
SynonymsAntonyms
From Middle English affermen, from Old French afermer, affermer, from Latin affirmare, adfirmare (“to present as fixed, aver, affirm”), from ad (“to”) + firmare (“to make firm”), from firmus (“firm”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.