adj. & n.
adj. 1 affirming; asserting that a thing is so. 2 (of a vote) expressing approval.
n. 1 an affirmative statement, reply, or word. 2 (prec. by the) a positive or affirming position. affirmative action esp. US action favouring those who often suffer from discrimination. in the affirmative with affirmative effect; so as to accept or agree to a proposal; yes (the answer was in the affirmative). affirmatively adv.
[ ME f. OF affirmatif -ive f. LL affirmativus (as AFFIRM) ]