rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaffirmDeclare or confirm
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; emphatic
+firmLatinmake firm, 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.