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> This doesn't affirm that the neutrinos actually exceeded light-speed.

You might be thinking of "confirm". This certainly is an example of the OPERA group affirming their results.

> Affirm. v. 1. State as a fact; assert strongly and publicly. 2. Declare one's support for; uphold or defend.




Take a look at definition 1 in your post.


Affirm means to say it [again] (without adding any more information). It basically means "Yes I really did/do mean it".

Confirm means to check again.


The way English works, not all of the dictionary definitions for a word need to apply to any particular usage.


I think all dictionaries work in this way, not just English ones




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