In the affirmative Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /əˈfɝmətɪv
in thuh uh-FUR-muh-tiv
ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɐfˈɜːmətˌɪv
in thuh uh-FUR-muh-tiv
Definition
To respond or say something in a way that shows 'yes,' agreement, or confirmation, rather than denial or refusal.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal writing, legal, or survey contexts. The opposite is 'in the negative.' Common after phrases like 'responded in the affirmative.' Not used in casual conversation; say 'yes' instead.
Spanish: afirmativamente - de manera afirmativaPortuguese (BR): afirmativamente - de forma afirmativaPortuguese (PT): afirmativamente - de forma afirmativaChinese (Simplified): 肯定地 - 用肯定的方式Chinese (Traditional): 肯定地 - 以肯定的方式Hindi: सकारात्मक रूप मेंArabic: بصورة إيجابية - بإيجابBengali: হ্যাঁ সূচকভাবে - ইতিবাচকভাবেRussian: утвердительноJapanese: 肯定的に - 肯定の返事でVietnamese: một cách khẳng định - trả lời khẳng địnhKorean: 긍정적으로 - 긍정의 뜻으로Turkish: olumlu olarakUrdu: مثبت انداز میںIndonesian: secara afirmatif - dengan jawaban ya
Example Sentences
He answered in the affirmative when asked if he was hungry.
basic
Please reply in the affirmative or negative.
basic
Their response was in the affirmative to all questions.
basic
She nodded in the affirmative, not needing to say a word.
natural
When the boss asked if anyone had questions, only one person responded in the affirmative.
natural
Sometimes a simple 'yes' does the job better than replying in the affirmative.
natural