English Reference
Noun

affirmation

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌæfɝˈmeɪʃən/ UK /ˌæfəmˈeɪʃən/ af·fir·ma·tion UK spelling affirmation's, affirmation's Law

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.


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.

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.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

From Old French afermacion, from Latin affirmare (“to assert”). Doublet of affirmatio.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin affirmare
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated