Word
affirmation
Phoneticsaf·fir·ma·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæfɝˈmeɪʃən/
UK/ˌæfəmˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a positive statement that you say to yourself or others to build confidence. It can also mean a formal agreement that something is true.
n. a formal declaration or assertion that something is true; in psychological contexts, a positive statement intended to provide emotional support or encouragement.
Examples
“She starts her day with a positive affirmation.”
“The witness provided a solemn affirmation of the facts before the court began the hearing.”
“While some dismiss daily affirmations as superficial, many psychologists argue that consistent positive self-talk can gradually restructure a person's underlying belief system and improve overall resilience.”
Examples
simple
“She starts her day with a positive affirmation.”
contextual
“The witness provided a solemn affirmation of the facts before the court began the hearing.”
complex
“While some dismiss daily affirmations as superficial, many psychologists argue that consistent positive self-talk can gradually restructure a person's underlying belief system and improve overall resilience.”
Usage
Countable when referring to specific statements; uncountable when referring to the general act of asserting or confirming.
Real-World Examples
“They described being unable to take in even the most effusive messages from their audience—the types of affirmations that had initially pushed them to begin creating in the first place.” Etymology
From Old French afermacion, from Latin affirmare (“to assert”). Doublet of affirmatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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