ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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verb

affirm

uh-FURM/əˈfɜːrm/

To state firmly that something is true, valid, or worthy of support.

The witness appears ready to affirm the statement firmly.

A witness firmly confirms a fact with upright confident posture and hand over heart, attentive listeners, no words.

Etymology

afLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+firmLatinmake firm or strengthen

The image of making something firm developed into confirming or corroborating it. To affirm a statement is to give it that figurative firmness by declaring it true.

In context

ORCA Media72:02

when he tried to be a notary he was denied because he refused to affirm a belief in the Supreme Being

Spotlight on Vermont Issues: Religious Freedom

More examples

The court affirmed the earlier decision.
He publicly affirmed his support for the proposal.
The ceremony affirms their commitment to one another.

Forms

affirm · affirms · affirmed · affirming

affirmation noun — a firm declaration or expression of support

Similar words

assert: Assert states firmly; affirm can also confirm or endorse an existing claim.
confirm: Confirm verifies or supports something already proposed; affirm can state a conviction independently.