affirm

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.

Español:afirmar

“It is important for parents to affirm their children's efforts, not just their grades.”

“The therapist worked to affirm the patient's feelings, helping them build the confidence needed to make significant life changes.”

C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical

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.

“The Supreme Court chose to affirm the lower court's decision.”

“The appellate court moved to affirm the original ruling, citing a lack of procedural errors during the initial trial.”

C2 · Proficiency Law Formal · Technical

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.

“The witness asked to affirm rather than swear on a Bible.”

“In many jurisdictions, individuals have the right to affirm their testimony if their personal beliefs preclude the taking of a traditional oath.”

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

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'.

“The pilot replied 'affirm' when the tower asked if they were ready for takeoff.”

“The air traffic controller waited for the pilot to affirm the heading change before clearing the next aircraft for approach.”