Affected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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affected
[əˈfɛktɪd ]
Definitions
emotion
influenced or touched by an external factor
Synonyms
impacted, influenced, touched.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| affected |
Sometimes used similarly to 'affected' but with a more formal tone, particularly in medical or technical contexts.
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| influenced |
Used when referring to a more subtle or indirect effect on someone's opinion, behavior, or decisions. The connotation is often one of gradual or persuasive change.
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| touched |
Typically describes a positive emotional effect, often used in personal or intimate situations where someone feels emotionally moved.
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| impacted |
This term implies a significant or strong effect, often used in business, environmental, or social contexts. It can indicate both positive and negative consequences.
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Examples of usage
- She was deeply affected by the news of the tragedy.
- His affected smile couldn't hide the sadness in his eyes.
behavior
artificial or fake in behavior or manner
Synonyms
artificial, insincere, pretentious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| affected |
This word is often used to describe someone who is trying to impress others by being something they're not. It can suggest that the person's behavior is unnatural or exaggerated.
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| artificial |
This word is used when something is not natural or genuine. It often refers to objects or behaviors that are made or done to imitate something else.
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| pretentious |
This word describes someone who tries to appear more important, talented, or cultured than they really are. It usually has a negative implication.
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| insincere |
This word is used when someone is not being honest or genuine in their feelings or expressions. It often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She put on an affected accent to sound posh.
- His affected gestures made him seem insincere.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, 'affected' often describes emotional states influenced by external factors, such as stress or relationships.
- People's behavior can be significantly 'affected' by their mental health, with changes in mood impacting daily life.
- The concept of 'emotional contagion' illustrates how one's feelings can be 'affected' by the emotions of others nearby.
Art and Literature
- In literature, characters can be 'affected' to show growth or changes through experiences, making them relatable and human.
- Artists often try to evoke emotions that leave the viewer feeling 'affected' in some way, demonstrating the power of creative expression.
- In poetry, the term may describe the stylistic choices that convey deep feelings, impacting readers profoundly.
Sociology
- Social interactions can lead people to feel 'affected' by societal norms, leading to changes in their perspectives or behaviors.
- Group dynamics often 'affect' individual actions, demonstrating how peer pressure can shape decisions.
- Cultural events can collectively 'affect' emotions in a community, creating a shared sense of experience among its members.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters 'affected' by trauma, showcasing the emotional journey and the impact of past events on present actions.
- Popular music frequently explores themes of love and loss, showing how relationships can leave people 'affected' long after they end.
- The way celebrities respond publicly to events can 'affect' public perception, demonstrating the power of media influence.
Origin of 'affected'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Latin, coming from 'affectare,' meaning 'to aim at' or 'to strive after'.
- It entered the English language around the 14th century, initially describing strong emotional feelings.
- Over time, 'affected' evolved to encompass a wider range of changes, including physical reactions and behaviors.
The word 'affected' has its origins in the Latin word 'affectus' which means 'to have an influence on'. Over time, the word evolved to represent both emotional influence and artificial behavior. The adjective 'affected' has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially in the sense of 'emotionally moved' and later expanding to include the idea of artificiality.
See also: affect, affectation, affectedness, affection, affective, disaffected, unaffected.