noun

affirmation

af-er-MAY-shuhn/ˌæfərˈmeɪʃn/

A positive declaration that something is true or supported.

The coach's thumbs-up offers affirmation to the anxious athlete.

A coach offers a supportive thumbs-up to an anxious young adult athlete, encouraging positive affirmation.

Etymology

afLatinto; emphatic

+firmLatinmake firm, strengthen

+ationLatinaction or result

Making something firm became the figurative act of confirming it, and the noun named a solid assurance. An affirmation similarly lends support by asserting truth or expressing confidence.

In context

Reaching For Answers46:02

was it a little affirmation of I'm hearing you I'm with you

Ep1: Affirmations of Faith

More examples

The witness made a solemn affirmation instead of taking an oath.
He welcomed the award as an affirmation of his work.
She begins each day with a personal affirmation of her goals.

Forms

affirmation · affirmations

affirm verb — To state positively that something is true.

Similar words

confirmation: Establishes correctness or certainty rather than necessarily expressing support.
declaration: Is a formal statement without necessarily confirming or endorsing something.