Affirm vs. Confirm: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 7, 2023
"Affirm" means to state or assert positively, while "Confirm" means to establish the truth or validity of something already suggested.
Key Differences
"Affirm" and "Confirm" are two English words that, while seemingly similar, have distinct differences. "Affirm" implies an assertion or declaration, often of one's beliefs or feelings.
On the other hand, "Confirm" deals more with the verification or acknowledgment of a fact or detail that might have been previously introduced or hinted at. It's about reinforcing or validating information.
When someone says they "affirm" something, they are essentially stating it with conviction, sometimes even without concrete evidence. It is an expression of belief or a declaration of truth from their perspective.
"Confirm", in contrast, has a sense of finality and certainty. It often follows a period of doubt or ambiguity, serving to clear any uncertainties. It's like putting a stamp of approval or a final check on information.
In summary, while both "Affirm" and "Confirm" deal with truth and validation, the former is about stating or declaring, and the latter is about verifying or establishing the truth of an already presented fact.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Meaning
To declare or state positively
To validate or verify information
Usage
Expression of belief or feelings
Reinforcing or validating information
Associated with
Conviction, assertion
Verification, acknowledgment
Requirement of prior information
Not necessary
Often follows previously given info
Level of certainty
Statement or declaration
Finality, validation
ADVERTISEMENT
Affirm and Confirm Definitions
Affirm
Affirm involves expressing strong belief or dedication.
He affirmed his loyalty to the team.
Confirm
Confirm serves to clear any doubts or ambiguities.
He confirmed that he would attend the event.
Affirm
Affirm can be a formal declaration in legal contexts.
The witness affirmed that she was telling the truth.
Confirm
Confirm is about giving a final agreement or consent.
The manager confirmed the new policy with the team.
Affirm
Affirm means to declare something as true.
She affirmed her commitment to the project.
Confirm
Confirm often follows a question or uncertainty.
Please confirm your email address for the records.
Affirm
Affirm implies an assertion without proof.
The leader affirmed that the company was on the right path.
Confirm
Confirm means to establish the truth or validity.
Can you confirm the time of our meeting?
Affirm
To declare positively; assert to be true
A philosopher affirming the existence of free will.
A document affirming that each student has completed the course.
Confirm
Confirm involves verifying or endorsing information.
She called to confirm her flight reservation.
Affirm
To declare support for or belief in
Affirm the right to self-determination.
Confirm
To support or establish the certainty or validity of; verify
Confirm a rumor.
Affirm
(Law) To rule (a court decision) to have been correct; confirm
The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's decision.
Confirm
To reaffirm the establishment of (a reservation or advance arrangement).
Affirm
To assert that one will give true testimony equivalent to that which would be given while under oath.
Confirm
To make firmer; strengthen
Working on the campaign confirmed her intention to go into politics.
Affirm
To agree, verify or concur; to answer positively.
She affirmed that she would go when I asked her.
Confirm
To make valid or binding by a formal or legal act; ratify.
Affirm
To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true.
Confirm
To administer the religious rite of confirmation to.
Affirm
To support or encourage.
They did everything they could to affirm the children's self-confidence.
Confirm
To strengthen; to make firm or resolute.
Affirm
To make firm; to confirm, or ratify; especially (legal) to assert or confirm, as a judgment, decree, or order, brought before an appellate court for review.
Confirm
To administer the sacrament of confirmation on (someone).
Affirm
(law) To state under a solemn promise to tell the truth which is considered legally equivalent to an oath, especially of those who have religious or other moral objections to swearing oaths; also solemnly affirm.
Confirm
To assure the accuracy of previous statements.
Affirm
To assert or confirm, as a judgment, decree, or order, brought before an appellate court for review.
Confirm
To make firm or firmer; to add strength to; to establish; as, health is confirmed by exercise.
Confirm the crown to me and to mine heirs.
And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law.
Affirm
To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true; - opposed to deny.
Jesus, . . . whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Confirm
To strengthen in judgment or purpose.
Confirmed, then, I resolveAdam shall share with me in bliss or woe.
Affirm
To declare, as a fact, solemnly, under judicial sanction. See Affirmation, 4.
Confirm
To give new assurance of the truth of; to render certain; to verify; to corroborate; as, to confirm a rumor.
Your eyes shall witness and confirm my tale.
These likelihoods confirm her flight.
Affirm
To declare or assert positively.
Not that I so affirm, though so it seemTo thee, who hast thy dwelling here on earth.
Confirm
To render valid by formal assent; to complete by a necessary sanction; to ratify; as, to confirm the appoinment of an official; the Senate confirms a treaty.
That treaty so prejudicial ought to have been remitted rather than confimed.
Affirm
To make a solemn declaration, before an authorized magistrate or tribunal, under the penalties of perjury; to testify by affirmation.
Confirm
To administer the rite of confirmation to. See Confirmation, 3.
Those which are thus confirmed are thereby supposed to be fit for admission to the sacrament.
Affirm
Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts;
His story confirmed my doubts
The evidence supports the defendant
Confirm
Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts;
His story confirmed my doubts
The evidence supports the defendant
Affirm
To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true;
Before God I swear I am innocent
Confirm
Strengthen or make more firm;
The witnesses confirmed the victim's account
Affirm
Say yes to
Confirm
Make more firm;
Confirm thy soul in self-control!
Affirm
Affirm is about providing assurance or confidence.
The coach affirmed that the strategy would work.
Confirm
As of a person to a position;
The Senate confirmed the President's candidate for Secretary of Defense
Confirm
Administer the rite of confirmation to;
The children were confirmed in their mother's faith
FAQs
What does it mean to "affirm" a decision?
To "affirm" a decision means to uphold, support, or assert the decision as correct or valid.
Which is stronger, to "affirm" or to "confirm"?
Both are strong in different contexts; "affirm" is strong in terms of declaration, while "confirm" is strong in terms of validation.
Can "confirm" be used to validate someone's feelings?
Yes, you can "confirm" someone's feelings by acknowledging and validating them as genuine.
Is "affirmation" related to "affirm"?
Yes, "affirmation" is a noun form of "affirm" and means a positive assertion or statement of belief.
Does "confirm" always require prior information?
Often, "confirm" is used to validate or verify prior information, but it can also be used independently.
What is the opposite of "confirm"?
The opposite of "confirm" could be "deny" or "refute".
Is "affirm" often used in legal contexts?
Yes, "affirm" is used in legal contexts to mean a formal declaration that one's testimony is true.
Can I use "affirm" and "confirm" interchangeably?
While they have similar connotations, they are not always interchangeable due to the nuances in their meanings.
Can "affirm" mean to support or back something?
Yes, "affirm" can also mean to support, uphold, or back a particular stance or decision.
What kind of word is "confirm"?
"Confirm" is a verb that means to establish the truth or validity of something.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
