affirmative affirmative /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

adjective

1. Affirming or giving assent  ( affirmative , affirmatory )
   affirming or giving assent
    An affirmative decision
   an affirmative decision
    Affirmative votes
   affirmative votes
   
2. Expressing or manifesting praise or approval  ( affirmative , approbative , approbatory , approving , plausive )
   expressing or manifesting praise or approval
    Approbative criticism
   approbative criticism
    An affirmative nod
   an affirmative nod
   
3. Expecting the best  ( affirmative , optimistic )
   expecting the best
    An affirmative outlook
   an affirmative outlook
   

noun

1. A reply of affirmation  ( affirmative )
   a reply of affirmation
    He answered in the affirmative
   he answered in the affirmative