Meaning
Affirmative means expressing agreement, approval, or confirmation. It is often used to indicate a “yes” answer or a positive statement.
As a noun, it refers to a statement that confirms something (the opposite of a negative).
Grammar and Usage
Part of speech:
- Adjective — meaning “positive” or “agreeing.”
- Noun — meaning “a positive statement” or “a ‘yes’ response.”
Common structures:
- Give an affirmative answer
- Respond in the affirmative
- Be affirmative about something
Examples in form:
- Adjective: He gave an affirmative reply.
- Noun: The motion passed with many affirmatives.
Common Phrases
- affirmative action – policies supporting groups facing discrimination
- in the affirmative – meaning “yes” or expressing agreement
- affirmative response – a positive or approving answer
Collocations
- affirmative answer
- affirmative tone
- affirmative vote
- in the affirmative
- give an affirmative response
Examples
- The committee received an affirmative reply from the board.
- When asked if he understood, he nodded in the affirmative.
- The policy promotes equal opportunity through affirmative action.
- Her tone was calm but clearly affirmative.
- The motion carried with an overwhelming number of affirmatives.
- Please give an affirmative or negative answer only.
- The captain awaited an affirmative signal from the base.
- He responded affirmatively to the request.
Synonyms or Related
- positive
- approving
- agreeing
- confirming
- supportive
- yes
Antonym
- negative
- denying
- contradictory