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.
Phrases and idioms:
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).
Derivatives:
affirmatively adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF affirmatif -ive f. LL affirmativus (as AFFIRM)