Affirm

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)m

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French afermer, affermer, from Latin affirmare, adfirmare ("to present as fixed, aver, affirm"), from ad ("to") + firmare ("to make firm"), from firmus ("firm").

Full definition of affirm

Verb

1. To agree, verify or concur; to answer positively.She affirmed that she would go when I asked her.
2. To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true.
• Bible, Acts xxv. 19Jesus, ... whom Paul affirmed to be alive
3. To support or encourage.They did everything they could to affirm the children's self-confidence.
4. To make firm; to confirm, or ratify; especially (legal) to assert or confirm, as a judgment, decree, or order, brought before an appelate court for review.

Antonyms

• deny

Related terms

• affirmation
• affirmative