affirmatively
affirmatively — adverb
1. used to describe an answer, signal, or action that clearly communicates agreemen
used to describe an answer, signal, or action that clearly communicates agreement or acceptance — for example, nodding in reply or giving a definite 'yes'
Kofi nodded affirmatively when the teacher asked if he wanted more time.
nodded affirmatively — physical gesture showing agreement
The committee members voted affirmatively on the new playground proposal.
Nicholas asked Sari to join the team, and she answered affirmatively.
"Did you finish the report?" Marco asked, and Eli replied affirmatively.
When the judge read the final question, all twelve jurors responded affirmatively.
- positively
suggests enthusiasm more than simple agreement
- assentingly
very rare; used mainly in legal or formal writing
- negatively
expressing refusal or denial instead of agreement
文法句型
reply affirmatively
answer affirmatively
nod affirmatively
respond affirmatively
vote affirmatively
用法筆記
Typically used with verbs of communication (reply, answer, respond, nod) or formal decision-making (vote, rule). More formal than simply saying 'yes'.
常見錯誤
affirmatively — adjective
- affirmativelypositive
- more affirmativelycomparative
- most affirmativelysuperlative
1. having a good or constructive quality, rather than being harmful, discouraging,
having a good or constructive quality, rather than being harmful, discouraging, or critical — the opposite of negative in attitude, tone, or effect
The teacher gave Dario affirmative feedback that made him feel proud of his work.
affirmative feedback — positive and encouraging comments
Jiwoo tried to keep an affirmative attitude even when the project became difficult.
affirmative attitude — collocation meaning a positive mindset
The doctor shared affirmative news about Hamza's recovery after the long treatment.
Yara pinned the affirmative letter from her coach above her desk at home.
Quinn's affirmative outlook helped the whole family stay hopeful during the move.
- positive
the most common everyday equivalent
- constructive
emphasises building something up rather than just being pleasant
- encouraging
focuses on giving hope or confidence
- negative
expressing criticism, denial, or a harmful attitude
文法句型
affirmative + attitude
affirmative + feedback
affirmative + outlook
affirmative + message
用法筆記
The most common sense of 'affirmative' in everyday English. Often used about attitudes, feedback, and general outlook. Contrast with adjective sense 3 (SUPPORTING A MOTION), which is limited to formal voting and proposal contexts.
常見錯誤
2. describing a statement or claim that declares something to be true, rather than
describing a statement or claim that declares something to be true, rather than asking a question or expressing uncertainty
The lawyer made an affirmative statement about the defendant's location that night.
affirmative statement — asserting a fact rather than speculating
Kabir's report contained several affirmative claims that the company had broken the rules.
In court, a witness must give affirmative answers rather than guessing or speculating.
The scientist published an affirmative conclusion based on five years of data.
Sofia wrote an affirmative declaration that she had seen the accident herself.
- declarative
emphasises the act of stating formally
- assertive
suggests confidence in stating something as fact
- interrogative
asking a question rather than stating a fact
文法句型
affirmative + statement
affirmative + claim
affirmative + declaration
用法筆記
Subject is usually a formal statement, claim, or declaration. Distinguish from adjective sense 1 (SHOWING POSITIVITY): this sense is about asserting truth, not about being encouraging or optimistic.
3. describing a vote, opinion, or official decision that favors accepting a formal
describing a vote, opinion, or official decision that favors accepting a formal proposal, plan, or motion
The board cast six affirmative votes and only two against the new building project.
affirmative votes — votes in favor of a formal proposal
Cyrus gave an affirmative opinion on the proposal to extend the library's opening hours.
For the motion to pass, the council needs at least nine affirmative responses.
The committee chair counted the affirmative ballots before announcing the final result.
An affirmative ruling from the judge meant the case could move forward.
- negative
voting against or rejecting a proposal
文法句型
affirmative + vote
affirmative + response
affirmative + ruling
affirmative + decision
用法筆記
Used in formal voting and decision-making contexts, such as board meetings, parliaments, and courts. The related noun phrase 'the affirmative' (noun sense 2) refers to the supporting side in a debate.
affirmatively — noun
1. a word, phrase, or gesture — such as 'yes', 'sure', or a nod — that signals acce
a word, phrase, or gesture — such as 'yes', 'sure', or a nod — that signals acceptance or consent
Kofi waited for an affirmative from his boss before signing the new contract.
an affirmative — noun usage meaning a yes or agreement signal
The interviewer asked if Sofia could start on Monday, and she gave a quick affirmative.
Nicholas replied with a firm affirmative when the coach asked who wanted extra practice.
In many cultures, a simple nod serves as an affirmative without any words.
The manager expected an affirmative from every team member before moving ahead.
- negative
a word or signal that refuses or denies, such as 'no'
文法句型
an affirmative
give an affirmative
wait for an affirmative
用法筆記
Always singular when used this way. Common in the phrases 'give an affirmative' and 'wait for an affirmative'. Less direct than simply saying 'yes' — often used in formal or professional settings.
2. in a formal debate, the team or person whose role is to argue in support of the
in a formal debate, the team or person whose role is to argue in support of the main topic or motion being discussed
Marco was assigned to the affirmative and had to defend the new school policy.
the affirmative — debate terminology for the supporting side
The affirmative presented three strong reasons why the city should build more parks.
After the affirmative finished speaking, the opposing side began their arguments.
Eli prepared for weeks because he was leading the affirmative in the national competition.
The judge ruled that the affirmative had won the debate with clearer evidence.
- proposition side
alternative debate term; less common than 'the affirmative'
- supporting team
plain-language equivalent for non-debate contexts
- the negative
the opposing side in a formal debate
文法句型
the affirmative
argue for the affirmative
lead the affirmative
用法筆記
Always used with 'the'. Refers specifically to a debate team or position, not to a single word of agreement. Contrast with noun sense 1 (WORD OF AGREEMENT), which refers to an expression of consent like 'yes'.