affirmative

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af|firma|tive /əf'ɜːrmətɪv/
1 [ADJ]
An affirmative word or gesture indicates that you agree with what someone has said or that the answer to a question is `yes'. (FORMAL)
Haig was desperately eager for an affirmative answer...
≠ negative
● affirmatively [ADV] ADV with v
`Is that clear?' Bob nodded his head affirmatively.
2 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you reply to a question in the affirmative, you say `yes' or make a gesture that means `yes'. (FORMAL)
He asked me if I was ready. I answered in the affirmative.
3 [ADJ]
In grammar, an affirmative clause is positive and does not contain a negative word.
≠ negativeaf|firma|tive ac|tion
[N-UNCOUNT]
Affirmative action is the policy of giving jobs and other opportunities to members of groups such as racial minorities or women who might not otherwise have them. (AM; in BRIT, use positive discrimination)

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