in the affirmative

IPA/ɪnðɪ ɐfˈɜːmətˌɪv/
IPA/ɪnðɪ ɐfˈɜːmətˌɪv/

in the affirmative — 慣用語

1. in a way that expresses agreement or says 'yes'; used after verbs like answer, r

1.慣用語B2
釋義

肯定地

以肯定方式回應，表示同意

in a way that expresses agreement or says 'yes'; used after verbs like answer, reply, vote, or nod, especially in formal or official settings such as meetings, legal proceedings, or diplomatic exchanges.

例句

The committee voted in the affirmative on the new safety rules.

委員會對新的安全規範投下了肯定票。

verb + in the affirmative — pattern with 'vote'

When the judge asked if she agreed, Ms. Torres replied in the affirmative.

當法官詢問她是否同意時，Torres 女士以肯定的語氣回答。

同義詞
  • yes

    neutral in register; used in everyday conversation, not limited to formal contexts

  • favourably

    similar formal register but broader in meaning (can mean 'with approval' rather than specifically 'yes')

  • agreeably

    has a similar formal tone but focuses on willingness or pleasantness rather than a direct yes/no response

反義詞
  • in the negative

    direct opposite; identical structure and register, used in the same formal contexts

文法句型

verb + in the affirmative

用法筆記

This fixed phrase belongs to formal registers such as legal proceedings, board meetings, official correspondence, and parliamentary procedures. In everyday speech, native speakers prefer simpler alternatives like 'say yes' or 'agree'. The most common verb partners are answer, reply, respond, vote, and nod. Unlike a single-word adverb, the phrase must follow the verb — it cannot begin the sentence.

常見錯誤

❌She said in the affirmative to my question.
✅She answered in the affirmative.
💡'say in the affirmative' is unnatural; use 'answer', 'reply', or 'respond' instead.
❌He in the affirmative nodded.
✅He nodded in the affirmative.
💡the phrase must come after the verb, not before it.
❌He told me in the affirmative.
✅He replied in the affirmative.
💡'tell' is not idiomatic with this phrase; use 'reply' or 'answer'.