affirmation
/afəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1The action or process of affirming something: he nodded in affirmation [count noun]: an affirmation of basic human values...
- Girls feel enhanced by continuous social affirmation while boys feel diminished.
- The girl was silent for a moment, then she nodded, grunting in affirmation.
- The nun's words were punctuated silently by her sisters' nods of affirmation.
Synonyms
assertion, declaration, statement, proclamation, pronouncement, attestation, assurance;
oath, vow, swearing, avowal, guarantee, promise, certification, pledge;
deposition
rare asseveration, averment
confirmation, ratification, endorsement, defence
1.1 [count noun] Law A formal declaration by a person who declines to take an oath.Perhaps we might also ask whether he will take an oath or make an affirmation in respect of those matters of fact which he is going to put before us....
- This was treated by both sides as a direction that affidavits or affirmations were to be evidence at this trial, even though the deponents did not attend for cross-examination.
- Magistrates upon appointment take oaths or make affirmations in the same form as Justices of this Court and the members of other federal courts.
2Emotional support or encouragement: the lack of one or both parents' affirmation leaves some children emotionally crippled...
- Readers might be looking for entertainment, information, affirmation or help.
- Some kids desperately wanted affirmation for each scribbled line; others wanted to team up with buddies to horse around or draw baseball players.
- This also makes them ideal for artists or art students seeking inspiration or affirmation.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin affirmatio(n-), from the verb affirmare (see affirm).