affirmation

/ˌæfəˈmeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌæfərˈmeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən/ (ame, mw)

affirmation — noun

  • affirmationsingular
  • affirmationsplural

1. a statement, action, or piece of evidence that clearly shows something is true —

1.名詞B2
釋義

a statement, action, or piece of evidence that clearly shows something is true — for example, when a witness confirms a fact in court, or when test results support a scientific theory.

例句

Dr. Park presented photographs as an affirmation of the damage caused by the storm.

affirmation + of + noun phrase

The judge treated the witness's testimony as a clear affirmation of the defendant's innocence.

collocation: clear affirmation

同義詞
  • confirmation

    more about verifying something already known; less formal than 'affirmation'

  • assertion

    emphasises stating something confidently, but not necessarily proving it

  • declaration

    strong public statement; can be about intentions, not just facts

反義詞
  • denial

    a statement that something is not true

文法句型

affirmation + of + noun

affirmation + that-clause

用法筆記

Common in formal or legal contexts. When you want to say that the evidence itself confirms a fact, this sense is more precise than 'statement' because it includes actions and physical evidence, not just words.

常見錯誤

❌The lawyer's affirmation was not enough for the jury.
✅The lawyer's assertion was not enough for the jury.
💡'affirmation' in this sense emphasises confirming something already believed to be true; 'assertion' is a confident statement that may or may not be proven.

2. the act of giving a clear 'yes' or showing in a definite way that you agree, esp

2.名詞B2
釋義

the act of giving a clear 'yes' or showing in a definite way that you agree, especially during a formal process such as a vote, a meeting, or an official decision.

例句

The board of directors gave their affirmation to the new budget plan.

collocation: give + affirmation

Elena nodded her head in quiet affirmation when the chairperson asked for votes.

同義詞
  • agreement

    less formal and more common in everyday speech

  • approval

    emphasises permission or acceptance of a plan, not just a yes/no response

  • assent

    formal, often used in legal or official contexts; very similar to 'affirmation'

反義詞
  • rejection

    refusing to accept a proposal or statement

  • dissent

    formal expression of disagreement

文法句型

affirmation + of + noun

in + affirmation

give + affirmation

用法筆記

This sense is more formal than 'agreement'. In everyday conversation, 'yes' or 'agreement' is more natural. Reserve 'affirmation' for official settings like votes, legal consent, or written approvals.

常見錯誤

❌I gave her my affirmation that I would arrive on time.
✅I gave her my promise that I would arrive on time.
💡'affirmation' in this sense means agreeing to a statement or proposal, not making a personal promise.

3. words or actions that express genuine belief in someone's abilities, value, or w

3.名詞B2
釋義

words or actions that express genuine belief in someone's abilities, value, or worth, giving them confidence and emotional strength.

例句

The coach's words of affirmation helped the team feel more confident before the big game.

collocation: words of affirmation

Jamal's parents offered constant affirmation of his artistic talents, even when others doubted him.

affirmation + of + noun phrase

同義詞
  • encouragement

    more about motivating someone to continue; slightly less formal

  • validation

    emphasises confirming that someone's feelings or worth are legitimate

  • endorsement

    often about publicly supporting a person, idea, or product

反義詞
  • criticism

    pointing out faults rather than expressing belief in someone

文法句型

affirmation + of + noun/person

words of affirmation

need + affirmation

用法筆記

Frequently appears in phrases like 'words of affirmation' or 'need for affirmation'. This sense is about sincere emotional backing, not just polite praise. It implies ongoing support rather than a one-time comment.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher's affirmation of my essay was just empty praise.
✅The teacher's affirmation of my ideas helped me believe in my writing.
💡'affirmation' in this sense refers to genuine support that builds confidence, not superficial compliments.

4. a short positive sentence that you repeat to yourself regularly because you beli

4.名詞B2
釋義

a short positive sentence that you repeat to yourself regularly because you believe saying it will help bring about the result you want — for example, telling yourself 'I am capable and strong' each morning as a way to build confidence.

例句

Sofia repeats a morning affirmation to stay focused on her goals throughout the day.

collocation: morning affirmation

Diego wrote his favourite affirmation on a sticky note and placed it on the mirror.

同義詞
  • mantra

    often has spiritual or meditative roots; repeated for mental focus

  • positive statement

    a neutral description rather than a fixed term

  • self-talk

    more general — includes all thoughts you direct to yourself, not just positive ones

文法句型

daily + affirmation

affirmation + that-clause

use/say/repeat + affirmation

用法筆記

Often used in the plural ('affirmations') or with a time-of-day adjective ('morning affirmation', 'daily affirmation'). This is a modern meaning popular in self-help and positive psychology. It is unrelated to the legal meaning of 'affirmation'.

常見錯誤

❌I made an affirmation that I would exercise every day.
✅I repeated a daily affirmation like "I am strong and healthy" to stay motivated.
💡In this sense, an affirmation is a repeated positive statement, not a promise or resolution.