Word
affirming
Phoneticsaf·firm·ing
US/əˈfɝmɪŋ/
UK/ɐfˈɜːmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. giving someone a feeling of support or confidence. It makes you feel that your thoughts, feelings, or identity are valid and good.
adj. providing emotional support or encouragement; validating the worth or truth of something. Often used to describe communication or environments that reinforce a person's sense of self.
Examples
“She gave me an affirming smile after my presentation.”
“The therapist provided an affirming environment where the patient felt safe enough to discuss their deepest fears.”
“In a world that often demands conformity, finding an affirming community can be a transformative experience for those who have previously felt marginalized or misunderstood.”
Examples
simple
“She gave me an affirming smile after my presentation.”
contextual
“The therapist provided an affirming environment where the patient felt safe enough to discuss their deepest fears.”
complex
“In a world that often demands conformity, finding an affirming community can be a transformative experience for those who have previously felt marginalized or misunderstood.”
Usage
Typically used as a participial adjective; often appears before a noun like 'smile', 'nod', or 'environment'.
Real-World Examples
“Affirming that you love and respect your child no matter their identity can protect their well-being.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/affirming