affirm

verb af·firm \ə-ˈfərm\

: to say that something is true in a confident way

: to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)

law : to decide that the judgment of another court is correct

Full Definition of AFFIRM

transitive verb

a : validate, confirm

b : to state positively <he affirmed his innocence>

: to assert (as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed

: to express dedication to <affirm life>

intransitive verb

: to testify or declare by affirmation as distinguished from swearing an oath

: to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court

— af·firm·able \ə-ˈfər-mə-bəl\ adjective

— af·fir·mance \ə-ˈfər-mən(t)s\ noun

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Origin of AFFIRM

Middle English affermen, from Anglo-French afermer, from Latin affirmare, from ad- + firmare to make firm, from firmus firm — more at firm

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to AFFIRM

Synonyms: claim, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, purport, warrant

Antonyms: deny, gainsay

Synonym Discussion of AFFIRM

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence <asserted that modern music is just noise>. declare stresses open or public statement <declared her support for the candidate>. affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed the existence of an afterlife>. protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt <protested that he really had been misquoted>. avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared <avowed that all investors would be repaid in full>.