affirmative
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.showing that you agree or that the answer is 'yes'.
adj.expressing agreement or consent; asserting that something is true or valid.
Simple“The committee gave an affirmative nod to the new proposal.”
In context“The board provided an affirmative response to the merger inquiry, signaling their willingness to proceed with formal negotiations.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'affirmative reply' or 'affirmative action'.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a word or statement that shows agreement.
n.a word or statement of agreement or assent; the 'yes' side of a debate or vote.
Simple“She answered in the affirmative when asked if she wanted the job.”
In context“When the witness answered in the affirmative, the prosecutor moved quickly to the next line of questioning.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'in the affirmative'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
interj.a formal word for 'yes' used in radio or military talk.
interj.a standard response in radio-telephony and military communications used to confirm a message or answer 'yes'.
Simple“Affirmative, we have reached the target location.”
In context“The pilot responded with a crisp 'affirmative' before adjusting the aircraft's heading as instructed by air traffic control.”
Teacher's tipIn everyday conversation, using this sounds overly robotic or military; stick to 'yes' or 'sure' unless you are in a formal radio context.
From Middle English affirmative, affirmatyve, from Old French affirmatif, from Latin affirmativus, from affirmare (“to assert”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.