affirmative

(redirected from affirmatives)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia.

affirmative action

A policy that promotes the recruitment or advancement of minority groups (as relates to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or people with disabilities) so as to create a more diverse environment, especially as a means to counter discrimination against those minorities. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. While some people view affirmative action as an unfair hiring method, the company stands by it as a useful means of promoting diversity.
See also: action, affirmative

in the affirmative

in the form of an answer that means yes. The soldier answered in the affirmative by nodding his head "yes." My manager's response was in the affirmative.
See also: affirmative
References in classic literature ?
He answered in the affirmative, and inquired whether the other were a Sioux.
View in context
It was not till the rays of the sun had absorbed the young stranger's retreating figure on the hill that she shook off her temporary sadness and answered her would-be partner in the affirmative.
View in context
She made an affirmative sign of the head, and said, "Yes.
View in context
Philip wired a succinct affirmative, and next morning a stranger presented himself at the studio.
View in context
At the very instant he did this and uttered those words, Pierre felt that the question of his wife's guilt which had been tormenting him the whole day was finally and indubitably answered in the affirmative.
View in context
The man answered in the affirmative, and, signing for the message, carried it within to Tarzan, who was already preparing to depart for London.
View in context
I felt her head nod an affirmative against my breast.
View in context
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?