affirm
UK: əˈfɜːm | US: əˈfɜːrm
vt. to state or assert positively; confirm
vt. (law) to declare solemnly but not under oath
vi. to express agreement or support
affirm = af<to, toward> + firm<strong, steady>
- af (prefix): Variant of "ad-" (Latin origin), meaning "to" or "toward." Assimilated to "af-" before "f."
- firm (root): From Latin firmus, meaning "strong, stable, steadfast." Retains the core idea of strength in modern usage.
Etymology Origin:
The word "affirm" traces back to Latin affirmare, combining ad- (intensifying "to") + firmare ("to strengthen"). It originally meant "to make steady" or "confirm," evolving into its modern sense of declaring something strongly or formally. The prefix "af-" subtly reinforces the root "firm," emphasizing unwavering assertion.
The witness chose to affirm the truth of her statement rather than swear on a Bible.
Scientists affirm the validity of the experiment after rigorous testing.
She nodded to affirm her agreement with the proposal.
The court requires the defendant to affirm their identity under penalty of perjury.
His actions affirm his commitment to social justice.