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affirmative

Adjective[C/U] Both

Carries a sense of formal confirmation and clarity. It is less about emotional agreement and more about the factual validation of a proposition. In technical, military, or aviation contexts, it serves as a precise substitute for "yes" to avoid ambiguity over radio communications where short words can be misheard. Compared to "positive," which can imply optimism or happiness, "affirmative" is clinical and decisive. It signals that a condition has been met or a request has been granted without adding subjective warmth.

Countable when referring to a specific 'yes' response in a sequence of answers ('He gave three affirmatives and two negatives'). Uncountable when referring to the general quality or state of being agreeable or positive ('The room was filled with an affirmative energy').

Meanings

Adjective

Agreeing with a statement or request; positive.

"She gave an affirmative nod to indicate her agreement."

Noun

An affirmative answer; 'yes'.

"The captain waited for the affirmative from the control tower before taking off."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026Report an Error