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Affordable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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affordable

[əˈfɔːrdəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

price

Inexpensive and reasonably priced, within one's budget.

Synonyms

budget-friendly, economical, inexpensive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affordable

Use when something is reasonably priced and within the budget of an average person. It emphasizes that the price is not too high.

  • The new smartphone is quite affordable considering its features.
  • She found an affordable apartment in the city center.
inexpensive

Use when something has a low price but still implies decent quality. It emphasizes that the item is cheap.

  • They found a shop selling inexpensive souvenirs.
  • The restaurant offers a wide range of inexpensive meals.
economical

Great for emphasizing efficiency and cost-saving over time. Often used when discussing operations, processes, or choices that save money in the long run.

  • Hybrid cars are economical because they use less fuel.
  • She prefers to buy in bulk because it's more economical.
budget-friendly

Best for situations where the focus is on maintaining a budget or finding cost-effective options. It implies planning and careful spending.

  • The hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation for travelers.
  • They chose a budget-friendly venue for the wedding.

Examples of usage

  • They offer affordable housing options for low-income families.
  • The restaurant is known for its affordable menu items.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of good quality at a reasonable price.

Synonyms

cost-effective, good value for money, reasonably priced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affordable

Use this word when describing something that is not too expensive and is within the budget of most people.

  • The new housing project offers affordable apartments for young families.
  • This store sells affordable clothing that is both stylish and budget-friendly.
reasonably priced

Use this phrase when describing something that has a fair or acceptable price, without being necessarily cheap or expensive.

  • The tickets to the concert are reasonably priced, making it accessible to more fans.
  • The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious and reasonably priced dishes.
cost-effective

This word is best used in business or technical contexts, where you want to emphasize that the cost of something is justified by its benefits or effectiveness.

  • Solar panels are a cost-effective solution for reducing electricity bills.
  • The company adopted a cost-effective strategy to improve productivity.
good value for money

Use this phrase when indicating that something offers a lot of quality, utility, or benefit for the price paid.

  • This new smartphone is good value for money; it has many high-end features.
  • We found a hotel that is good value for money given its prime location and amenities.

Examples of usage

  • The store sells affordable clothing that is stylish and well-made.
  • This brand is known for producing affordable yet durable products.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Affordable options play a crucial role in improving accessibility to goods and services, impacting social equity.
  • Various studies show that the affordability of housing directly affects community stability and individuals' quality of life.
  • The term is often used in discussions regarding the cost of healthcare, education, and basic living standards.

Cultural Impact

  • The concept of affordability is central to many social movements advocating for fair wages and living conditions.
  • In arts, the rise of affordable technology has democratized creative work, allowing more people to share their talents.
  • Affordable fashion has emerged as a significant trend, allowing access to stylish clothing without breaking the bank.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often portray characters who prioritize finding affordable items, reflecting a common hustle in modern lives.
  • In the music industry, artists have used themes of affordability in lyrics to connect with fans struggling with finances.
  • Social media influencers frequently share 'affordable hacks' to help followers live stylishly within budget.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that the perception of affordability can influence emotional well-being and life satisfaction.
  • People often experience happiness and relief when they find products or services that meet their needs at a low cost.
  • The desire for affordability can lead to wise decision-making and responsible spending habits.

Origin of 'affordable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forbeodan', which meant 'to forbid' but evolved to express the idea of being within reach.
  • It entered the English language around the late 15th century, suggesting an ability to afford something.
  • The prefix 'afford' means 'to be able to' and combined with 'able' indicates capacity related to cost.

The word 'affordable' originated in the late 15th century from the Old French word 'afordeable', meaning 'capable of being afforded'. It has been used in English to describe something reasonably priced or within one's budget since then.

See also: affordability, affordably, unaffordable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,117, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.