How to pronounce affirm
Say it like uh-FURM. Affirm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FURM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce affirm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- FURM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Affirm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FURMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of affirm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-FURM.
What does affirm mean?
- To agree, verify or concur; to answer positively.“She affirmed that she would go when I asked her.”
- To assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true.
- To support or encourage.“gender-affirming; trans-affirming”
- Yes; true; correct.
Where does affirm come from?
From Middle English affermen, from Old French afermer, affermer, from Latin affirmare, adfirmare (“to present as fixed, aver, affirm”), from ad (“to”) + firmare (“to make firm”), from firmus (“firm”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with affirm
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of affirm.
Questions about saying affirm
How do you pronounce affirm?
Say uh-FURM. The American pronunciation is /əˈfɝm/. In British English it is /əˈfɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in affirm?
Affirm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FURM). Broken into parts: uh · FURM.
Is affirm pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈfɜːm/ (uh-FURM).