affirm
af·firm
/əˈfɚm/ verb , -firms, -firmed, -firm·ing [ + obj ]
1 formal : to say that something is true in a confident way
We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine.
The two men affirm that they are innocent. = The two men affirm their innocence. [=they say they are not guilty]
They neither affirmed nor denied their guilt.
synonyms see assert
2 formal : to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)
laws affirming the racial equality of all peoples
They continued to affirm their religious beliefs.
affirm life
— see also life-affirming
3 law : to decide that the judgment of another court is correct
The decision was affirmed by a higher court.
The court affirmed his conviction. [=the court agreed that he was guilty]
af·fir·ma·tion /ˌæfɚˈmeıʃən/ noun [ noncount ]
the affirmation of guilt/innocence
When asked if the statement was true, he nodded his head in affirmation.
[ count ]
The ceremony was an affirmation of their religious beliefs.
