We asseverate it in a peculiarly earnest manner, or with increased positiveness as what can not be
disputed. We aver it, or formally declare it to be true, when we have positive knowledge of it. We protest
in a more public manner and with the energy of perfect sincerity. People asseverate in order to produce
a conviction of their veracity; they aver when they are peculiarly desirous to be believed; they protest
when they wish to free themselves from imputations, or to produce a conviction of their innocence.
Affirm
(Af*firm"), v. i.
1. To declare or assert positively.
Not that I so affirm, though so it seem
To thee, who hast thy dwelling here on earth.
Milton.
2. (Law) To make a solemn declaration, before an authorized magistrate or tribunal, under the penalties
of perjury; to testify by affirmation.
Affirmable
(Af*firm"a*ble) a. Capable of being affirmed, asserted, or declared; — followed by of; as, an
attribute affirmable of every just man.
Affirmance
(Af*firm"ance) n. [Cf. OF. afermance.]
1. Confirmation; ratification; confirmation of a voidable act.
This statute . . . in affirmance of the common law.
Bacon.
2. A strong declaration; affirmation. Cowper.
Affirmant
(Af*firm"ant) n. [L. affirmans, -antis, p. pr. See Affirm.]
1. One who affirms or asserts.
2. (Law) One who affirms, instead of taking an oath.
Affirmation
(Af`fir*ma"tion) n. [L. affirmatio: cf. F. affirmation.]
1. Confirmation of anything established; ratification; as, the affirmation of a law. Hooker.
2. The act of affirming or asserting as true; assertion; — opposed to negation or denial.
3. That which is asserted; an assertion; a positive statement; an averment; as, an affirmation, by the vender,
of title to property sold, or of its quality.
4. (Law) A solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury, by persons who conscientiously
decline taking an oath, which declaration is in law equivalent to an oath. Bouvier.
Affirmative
(Af*firm"a*tive) a. [L. affirmativus: cf. F. affirmatif.]
1. Confirmative; ratifying; as, an act affirmative of common law.
2. That affirms; asserting that the fact is so; declaratory of what exists; answering "yes" to a question; —
opposed to negative; as, an affirmative answer; an affirmative vote.
3. Positive; dogmatic. [Obs.] J. Taylor.
Lysicles was a little by the affirmative air of Crito.
Berkeley.
4. (logic) Expressing the agreement of the two terms of a proposition.
