Affectation: meaning, definitions and examples

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affectation

[ ˌæfɛkˈteɪʃən ]

^{Context #1}

artificial behavior

Affectation is the act of behaving in an unnatural or insincere way, especially in order to impress others. It often involves pretending to possess qualities or characteristics that one does not actually have.

Synonyms

artifice, pretense, pretentiousness

Examples of usage

She spoke with such affectation that everyone could tell she was not being genuine.
His affectation of wealth was quickly exposed when his true financial situation came to light.
The politician's affectation of concern for the environment was seen as a ploy to gain votes.
Her affectation of sophistication only served to alienate those around her.
His affectation of intelligence was transparent to those who knew him well.

Translations

Translations of the word "affectation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afetação

🇮🇳 प्रभाव

🇩🇪 Affektation

🇮🇩 afektasi

🇺🇦 афектація

🇵🇱 afektacja

🇯🇵 気取り (kidori)

🇫🇷 affectation

🇪🇸 afectación

🇹🇷 yapmacık tavır

🇰🇷 가식 (gasik)

🇸🇦 تظاهر

🇨🇿 afektovanost

🇸🇰 afektovanosť

🇨🇳 做作 (zuòzuò)

🇸🇮 afektacija

🇮🇸 tilgerðar

🇰🇿 әсер етушілік

🇬🇪 აფექტაცია

🇦🇿 affektasiya

🇲🇽 afectación

Word origin

The word 'affectation' originated in the 15th century from the Latin word 'affectatio', meaning 'a striving after'. It originally referred to a studied attempt to impress others, often with exaggerated behavior or speech. Over time, it evolved to describe any form of artificial or pretentious behavior. The negative connotation of insincerity or falseness associated with affectation has persisted throughout its history.