'affirmative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'affirmativus,' where 'affirmare' meant 'to assert' and '-ivus' indicated a quality or condition.

'affirmativus' transformed into the Old French word 'affirmatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'affirmative' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to assert or confirm something,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.