affirmative

affirmative
1 of 2
adjective

Synonyms of affirmative
1
: asserting that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
affirmative proof
2
: positive
an affirmative approach
3
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
was on the affirmative side in the debate
4
logic : asserting a predicate of a subject
affirmatively adverb
responded affirmatively
affirmative

2 of 2
noun
1
: an expression (such as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2
: the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
3
logic : an affirmative (see affirmative entry 1 sense 4) proposition
Phrases
in the affirmative
: with an affirmative reply : with a reply that means "yes"
He answered in the affirmative.

Synonyms
Noun

yea
yes
Examples of affirmative in a Sentence
Adjective
She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.
Noun
we have five affirmatives and two negatives for forming the committee
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This inquiry was thus satisfied in the affirmative.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Related That affirmative mindset has served her well.
—Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 May 2025
Noun
Those specific affirmatives can support the creativity of NFL defensive coordinators such as Vic Fangio.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 19 May 2025
The weather might not have been the best, but for anyone looking for reassurance that Mardi Gras was going to stay weird in 2023, the evening provided an energetic affirmative.
—al, 11 Feb. 2023

Word History
Etymology
Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, borrowed from Late Latin affirm;t;vus, from Latin affirm;tus (past participle of affirm;re "to affirm") + -;vus -ive

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmatif, noun derivative of affirmatif affirmative entry 1

First Known Use
Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of affirmative was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century
Phrases Containing affirmative
affirmative action
in the affirmative
Browse Nearby Words
affirmation of the consequent
affirmative
affirmative action
Cite this Entry
Style

MLA
“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmative. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition
affirmative

1 of 2
adjective
af·;fir·;ma·;tive ;-;f;r-m;t-iv
1
: declaring that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
2
: being positive or helpful
take an affirmative approach
affirmatively adverb
affirmative

2 of 2
noun
1
: an expression (as the word yes) of agreement
2
: the affirmative side in a debate or vote

Legal Definition
affirmative

adjective
af·;fir·;ma·;tive ;-;f;r-m;-tiv
1
: asserting the existence of certain facts especially in support of a cause of action
affirmative proof
2
: resulting from an intentional act
affirmative concealment
3
: involving or requiring application of effort
an affirmative duty
4
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
affirmatively adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on affirmative
Nglish: Translation of affirmative for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: 21 May 2025 - Updated example sentences
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