Affi'rmative. adj. [from affirm.]

1. That which affirms, opposed to negative; in which we use the affirmative, that is, the affirmative position.

   For the affirmative, we are now to answer such proofs of theirs as have been before alleged. Hooker.

   Whether there are such beings or not, 'tis sufficient for my purpose, that many have believed the affirmative. Dryden's Preface to Tyrannick Love.

2. That which can or may be affirmed: a sense used chiefly in science.

   As in algebra, where affirmative quantities vanish or cease, there negative ones begin: so in mechanicks, where attraction ceases, there a repulsive virtue ought to succeed. Newt. Opt.

3. Applied to persons; he who has the habit of affirming with vehemence; positive; dogmatical.

   Be not confident and affirmative in an uncertain matter, but report things modestly and temperately, according to the degree of that persuasion, which is, or ought to be, begotten by the efficacy of the authority, or the reason, inducing thee. Taylor.