I. əˈfərməd.iv, -ə̄m-, -əim-, -ətiv also aˈ- adjective
Etymology: Middle French affirmatif, from Latin affirmativus, from affirmatus + -ivus -ive
1. obsolete : confirmative , ratifying
2. logic : asserting a predicate of a subject or of a part of a subject ; also : asserting the truth or validity of a statement
“All A is B”, “Some A is B”, and “It is true that A is B” are affirmative propositions
— contrasted with negative
3.
a. : asserting that the fact is so : declaratory of what exists
affirmative proof that he was in fact a danger to public safety — David Fellman
b. : affirming the existence of certain facts or a particular state of things at the time a contract of insurance is made — used of representations and warranties; compare implied contract , promissory
4. : assertive , positive
an affirmative approach to the problem
• af·firm·a·tive·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French affirmatif, from affirmatif, adjective
1. : an expression (as the word yes or the phrase that's so ) of affirmation or assent — often used adverbially especially in radiotelephone communication
“Is his wingman still with him?” “Affirmative.” — J.A.Michener
2. logic : affirmation a
3.
a. : the side of a question that affirms or maintains the proposition stated — opposed to negative
40 votes were in the affirmative
b.
(1) : the speaker or speakers on the affirmative side in a debate
(2) : the party in a legal proceeding upon whom falls the burden of proof