affirm

To say clearly that something is true, or give a positive answer.

• He affirmed his support for us.
• The witness affirmed that she had seen the car.
• Both leaders affirmed their commitment to peace.

How to use it: affirm that… (She affirmed that the account was accurate.)

Similar words: confirm, declare, assert

Opposites: deny

Common phrases: affirm a belief, affirm someone's statement, affirm a commitment

To support someone and help them feel confident, accepted, or valued.

• Her parents always affirmed her.
• The group affirms each member's sense of worth.
• Teachers can affirm children by listening carefully to them.

Similar words: support, encourage, validate

Common phrases: affirm someone's identity, affirm someone's worth, affirm a child