Affectedly: meaning, definitions and examples

🎭

Add to dictionary

affectedly

[əˈfɛktɪdli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

manner of speaking

Affectedly is used to describe a way of speaking or behaving that is exaggerated or artificial, often in an attempt to draw attention or elicit a certain response. This mannerism may come off as pretentious or showy, as the individual puts on a facade that does not reflect their true self. It is commonly used in discussions about acting, communication styles, and social interactions.

Synonyms

artificially, ostentatiously, pretentiously, showily.

Examples of usage

She laughed affectedly, trying to impress her guests.
He spoke affectedly, as if reading from a script.
The artist's affectedly dramatic gestures captivated the audience.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'affectedly' comes from 'affect', which means to make an impression on someone in a purposeful way.
It has roots in Latin, where 'afficere' means to do something to or influence, suggesting a change done for show.
The suffix '-ly' indicates manner, transforming the verb into an adverb that describes how an action is performed.

Literature

Writers often use characters who speak affectedly to highlight their pretentious nature or social aspirations.
In classic literature, affected speech serves as a tool to differentiate between classes or social statuses.
Many satirical works showcase the ludicrousness of affected behavior, critiquing those who hide their true selves under a facade.

Psychology

People may behave affectedly due to insecurities, as they try to gain validation from others by pretending to be someone they aren't.
Impression management is a psychological concept wherein individuals may adopt affected behaviors in social settings to influence how they're perceived.
Studies suggest that using affected communication can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of authentic connections in relationships.

Pop Culture

Television often exaggerates characters' affected behaviors for comedic effect, making them seem overly dramatic or silly.
Social media platforms can encourage affected self-presentation, as users curate their images in an attempt to appear aspirational or glamorous.
Reality TV shows frequently display participants acting affectedly, offering both entertainment and insight into societal pressures to conform.

Art

In performing arts, an affected manner can be a stylistic choice, adding depth or irony to a character's persona.
Visual artists sometimes portray affected characters to critique societal norms and the absurdities of human behavior.
Certain art movements, like Dada, rejected affected expressions in favor of avant-garde authenticity, pushing back against pretentiousness.