af·fir·ma·tive
ə-ˈfər-mə-tiv
1
: asserting that the fact is so
gave an affirmative answer
affirmative proof
2
: positive
an affirmative approach
3
: favoring or supporting a proposition or motion
an affirmative vote
was on the affirmative side in the debate
4
logic
: asserting a predicate of a subject
affirmatively
adverb
responded affirmatively
1
: an expression (such as the word yes) of affirmation or assent
2
: the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
3
logic
: an affirmative (see affirmative entry 1 sense 4) proposition
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Affirmative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmative. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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