affirmative

/əˈfɜːrmətɪv/
adjectiveIntermediate
formal

Expressing agreement or consent; positive.

She nodded in an affirmative manner.

She nodded to show agreement.

💡

Often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate agreement.

informal

In some contexts, referring to a positive response or action.

The affirmative vote passed the proposal.

The 'yes' vote approved the proposal.

💡

Common in discussions about voting or decisions.

Collocations

affirmative actionpolicies designed to increase opportunities for marginalized groupsaffirmative responsea 'yes' or positive answer

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

affirmative defensephrase
a legal defense that admits the act but denies criminal intent

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

In formal settings, 'affirmative' is often used in legal or official contexts, while in informal settings, it can simply mean 'yes'.

Gold Rule

Legal Context

In legal contexts, 'affirmative' often refers to a positive response or action, such as an affirmative defense.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'affirmativus', meaning 'affirming', from 'affirmare' (to affirm).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in legal or formal contexts, but also common in everyday language to indicate agreement.

Word Breakdown

af-
to
prefix
+
firm
strong, steady
root
+
-ative
tending to
suffix
English Dictionary