af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv 
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
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
Synonyms
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
Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Yellen's speech also appears aimed in part at fellow Democrats, making the affirmative case that trade creates economic benefits for American citizens and cements geopolitical ties with allies.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024
al, 11 Feb. 2023
The answer, to my mind, is a resounding affirmative.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for affirmative 
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Adjective
Von … is just so committed to not having an affirmative set of information and beliefs.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Yellen's speech also appears aimed in part at fellow Democrats, making the affirmative case that trade creates economic benefits for American citizens and cements geopolitical ties with allies.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
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
The answer, to my mind, is a resounding affirmative.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for affirmative
Dictionary Entries Near affirmative
Cite this Entry
“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmative. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
affirmative
1 of 2 adjective
af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mət-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 noun1
: 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
ə-ˈfər-mə-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
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