affirm

/əˈfɜːm/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈfɜːrm/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈfərm/ (ame, mw)

affirm — verb

1. to express in a firm way that a fact, claim, or belief is correct.

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to express in a firm way that a fact, claim, or belief is correct.

例句

Maria affirmed that the lost wallet had been returned before noon.

affirm + that-clause for a stated fact

At the meeting, the coach affirmed his belief that the team could recover.

affirm + belief

同義詞
  • assert

    close in meaning, but often sounds more forceful or argumentative

  • confirm

    usually adds the idea of proof or later support

  • maintain

    stresses continuing to hold the same position

反義詞
  • deny

    to say something is not true

  • withdraw

    to take back a statement or claim

文法句型

affirm + that-clause

affirm + noun (belief, innocence, statement)

用法筆記

Often takes a that-clause or nouns such as belief, innocence, and statement. Distinguish from sense 2: here the speaker presents something as true, not as a cause to support.

常見錯誤

❌She affirmed to come on Monday.
✅She affirmed that she would come on Monday.
💡this sense takes a that-clause or noun, not a to-infinitive.

2. to openly defend an idea, value, or right by showing strong support for it.

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to openly defend an idea, value, or right by showing strong support for it.

例句

The group affirmed its support for smaller class sizes at the rally.

affirm + support for

By signing the letter, local doctors affirmed the town's right to clean water.

affirm + right to + noun

同義詞
  • support

    the most general and less formal choice

  • endorse

    often used for official or public approval

  • uphold

    stresses protecting a principle or right

反義詞
  • oppose

    to show that you are against an idea or policy

  • reject

    to refuse to accept or back an idea

文法句型

affirm + noun (support, commitment, right)

affirm + possessive + noun

用法筆記

Object is usually an abstract idea such as support, commitment, right, or promise. Common in speeches, public letters, and group statements. Distinguish from sense 1, where the object is a claim presented as true.

常見錯誤

❌Parents affirmed to the plan.
✅Parents affirmed their support for the plan.
💡this sense does not use 'affirm to'; it usually takes a direct object such as 'support' or 'commitment'.