The phrase "in the affirmative" has its origins in the late 16th century. It comes from the Latin word "affirmativus", which means "assertive" or "affirmative". The word "affirm" is also derived from the same root.
The phrase was originally used in voting and decision-making contexts, where it was used to indicate a vote or decision in favor of a proposal. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to indicate agreement or approval in a variety of contexts.
Here are ten sample sentences using the idiom "in the affirmative" which is used to indicate agreement or approval, or to describe a vote or decision that is in favor of something:
- The committee voted in the affirmative to recommend the new policy.
- The board of directors responded in the affirmative to the proposed merger.
- I asked her if she wanted to go to the concert, and she replied in the affirmative.
- The group of shareholders voted in the affirmative to approve the new CEO.
- The city council voted in the affirmative on the new zoning ordinance.
- The judge ruled in the affirmative on the motion to dismiss the case.
- The teacher asked if anyone had completed their homework, and several students responded in the affirmative.
- The company's management team voted in the affirmative to give employees a raise.
- The jury reached a verdict in the affirmative on all counts.
- The customer service representative confirmed in the affirmative that the order had been shipped.
The phrase "in the affirmative" is typically used to indicate agreement or approval, or to describe a vote or decision that is in favor of something. It is not typically used in situations where a "no" response or a vote against something is being given.
It would be more appropriate to use a phrase such as "in the negative" or "not in favor" in these cases.
It's also worth noting that this phrase is generally used in formal or professional settings and may not be appropriate or idiomatic in casual conversation.