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Affair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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affair

[ษ™หˆfer ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

romantic relationship

A romantic or sexual relationship between two people who are not married to each other.

Synonyms

fling, liaison, relationship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affair

Used to describe a secret or illicit romantic relationship, often involving infidelity.

  • She discovered that her husband was having an affair with his colleague.
  • Their affair lasted several months before it ended.
relationship

A general term used to describe any kind of romantic connection, ranging from casual dating to long-term commitments.

  • They decided to take their relationship to the next level and move in together.
  • She was looking for a meaningful relationship, not just a casual fling.
liaison

A formal term for a secret or illicit relationship, often used in a diplomatic or governmental context.

  • The spy was involved in a liaison with a member of the embassy.
  • Their liaison was discovered by the intelligence agency.
fling

Refers to a short-term, casual, and often spontaneous romantic or sexual relationship. It usually implies a lack of seriousness.

  • They had a summer fling while on vacation, but it ended when they returned home.
  • It was just a fling, nothing serious.

Examples of usage

  • They had an affair that lasted for several years.
  • She found out about his affair with a co-worker.
  • I can't believe he had an affair with his best friend's sister.
Context #2 | Noun

event or happening

An event or happening, especially one that is significant or of public interest.

Synonyms

event, incident, occasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affair

Used to describe a sexual relationship, especially a secret one; also denotes personal business or a public issue.

  • She had an affair with her coworker
  • This is a private affair, not for public discussion
event

Describes a planned public or social activity. It can be small or large in scale.

  • The charity event was a huge success
  • We are organizing an event for the community
occasion

Used for a special or significant time or event, often celebrated or marked by a particular activity.

  • Her graduation was a joyous occasion
  • Birthdays are special occasions
incident

Refers to something that happens, often unexpectedly and can be negative or notable.

  • There was a minor incident at the school today
  • The incident caused a lot of trouble

Examples of usage

  • The scandal was the biggest affair of the year.
  • The charity event was a successful affair.
  • The royal wedding was a grand affair.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, affairs are viewed through various lenses, often shaped by societal norms regarding fidelity.
  • Some literary works, like 'Anna Karenina' by Leo Tolstoy, explore the emotional complexity surrounding personal relationships and affairs.
  • Television dramas often depict affairs as central plot points, reflecting societal fascination with romance and betrayal.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that individuals might engage in affairs for reasons like emotional dissatisfaction, lack of intimacy, or thrill-seeking.
  • Studies suggest that a significant number of people who have affairs report feeling less fulfilled in their primary relationships.
  • The term 'affair' carries varied emotional weights, impacting individuals' mental health differently based on their circumstances.

Legal Aspects

  • In some countries, infidelity can influence divorce settlements, considered a factor in marital breakdown.
  • Laws regarding affairs can impact child custody arrangements, especially if one parentโ€™s relationship choices raise concerns about child welfare.
  • Adultery is a legal term often linked with affairs, and in certain jurisdictions, it can affect blame in divorce proceedings.

Media Portrayals

  • Movies and books have long captured the allure and consequences of affairs, shaping public perceptions and opinions.
  • Television shows frequently use affairs as dramatic plot devices, creating conflict and tension among characters and audiences.
  • Notable public figures' affairs can spark widespread media coverage, generating discussions about morality, celebrity culture, and privacy.

Origin of 'affair'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'affair' comes from the Middle English 'afair', which means 'doing' or 'business'.
  • In French, 'affaire' translates to 'business' or 'matter', showing its roots in matters of importance.
  • Originally, 'affair' referred to any personal concern or event, evolving to imply romantic entanglements over time.

The word 'affair' originated from Middle English 'afer', meaning 'to do' or 'concern'. Over time, it evolved to refer to various events or relationships. In the 17th century, the term began to be used to describe romantic relationships outside of marriage. Today, 'affair' is commonly used to refer to both romantic relationships and significant events.

See also: affairs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,214, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.