affirmative

/əˈfɜːmətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv/ (ame, mw) · /əˈfɜː.mə.tɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈfɝː.mə.t̬ɪv/ (ame, ipa)

affirmative — adjective

1. used for a word, answer, vote, or sign that accepts something asked or proposed

1.形容詞C1
釋義

used for a word, answer, vote, or sign that accepts something asked or proposed instead of rejecting it.

例句

The chair asked for an affirmative vote, and both members raised their hands.

affirmative vote collocation

Hana gave an affirmative nod when the nurse asked about allergies.

affirmative + noun for nonverbal agreement

同義詞
  • positive

    the closest everyday alternative for answers or replies

  • consenting

    stresses permission or willingness, especially in formal situations

  • supportive

    broader; backs a plan or person, not just a single yes-response

反義詞
  • negative

    the direct opposite for answers, votes, or replies

  • opposed

    describes being against an idea rather than agreeing with it

用法筆記

Formal and most often placed before nouns such as 'answer', 'reply', 'vote', and 'nod'. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'yes', 'sure', or 'I agree' instead of using 'affirmative'.

常見錯誤

❌She answered affirmative to the invitation.
✅She gave an affirmative reply to the invitation.
💡as an adjective, 'affirmative' usually describes a noun such as 'reply' or 'answer'.

2. saying that something is true or real, or referring to the grammar form that doe

2.形容詞C1
釋義

saying that something is true or real, or referring to the grammar form that does not use negative words.

例句

When the judge asked about the meeting, the witness gave an affirmative answer.

affirmative answer to a factual question

In grammar class, Ms. Chen wrote the affirmative form beside the negative one.

grammar: affirmative form vs negative form

同義詞
  • positive

    very close in test results and grammar labels, though more common overall

  • factual

    focuses on stating facts, not on grammar form

  • non-negative

    technical wording used mainly when describing grammar patterns

反義詞
  • negative

    the opposite in both grammar labels and yes-or-no findings

  • doubtful

    suggests uncertainty instead of confirming that something is true

用法筆記

Common in formal reports, legal questions, and grammar teaching. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 accepts or agrees with a request, while this sense states that a fact holds true or names the non-negative sentence form.

常見錯誤

❌Add not to make the sentence affirmative.
✅Remove not to make the sentence affirmative.
💡an affirmative sentence uses the non-negative form.

affirmative — noun