affirmation
UK: ˌæfəˈmeɪʃən | US: ˌæfərˈmeɪʃən
n. a statement or declaration asserting the truth or validity of something
n. emotional support or encouragement
n. (law) a solemn declaration made under penalty of perjury
affirmation = af<to, toward> + firm<strong, steady> + ation<noun suffix>
- af<to, toward>: Prefix derived from Latin ad- (meaning "to"), assimilated to af- before f.
- firm<strong, steady>: Root from Latin firmus (meaning "strong, stable").
- ation<noun suffix>: Denotes an action or process, from Latin -atio.
Etymology Origin:
The word affirmation traces back to Latin affirmare ("to make steady, confirm"), combining ad- (intensifying "to") + firmare ("to strengthen"). It entered Middle English via Old French afermer, evolving from a legal/official sense ("formal declaration") to broader uses like emotional validation. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: directing (af-) strength (firm) into a declarative act (-ation).
Her speech included a powerful affirmation of human rights.
Daily affirmations can boost self-confidence.
The witness signed an affirmation instead of a sworn oath.
He nodded in affirmation when asked if he agreed.
Positive affirmations are tools for mental resilience.