reaffirm
UK[ˌriːəˈfɜːm]US[ˌriːəˈfɜːrm]
v
to state something again in order to emphasize that it is still true or to show that you still believe it
v
to give formal or official confirmation to something again
Morpheme Breakdown
re
affirm
re
again
affirm
declare firmly
Etymology
the word 'reaffirm' is a modern english formation built upon the older verb 'affirm'. 'affirm' entered english from old french 'afermer', which itself descended from latin 'affirmare', a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'firmus' (strong, steadfast). the latin root 'firmus' can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root dʰer- meaning 'to hold, support'. the prefix 're-', of latin origin, is a highly productive element in english meaning 'again'. therefore, 'reaffirm' logically combines these elements to mean 'to make strong or declare firmly once more', capturing the action of reinforcing a previous statement or belief.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + affirm (declare firmly)
re- (Latin, a prefix meaning 'again' or 'back'), affirm (from Latin 'affirmare', meaning 'to make steady, strengthen, declare')
Examples
the president used the speech to reaffirm his commitment to the peace process.
the court's decision reaffirmed the fundamental right to free expression.
we need to regularly reaffirm our core values as an organization.