Afforded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
afforded
[ษหfษหrdษd ]
Definition
financial capability
To afford means to have enough money or resources to be able to purchase something without causing financial strain. It suggests a level of economic comfort, allowing an individual or entity to engage in transactions or investments without jeopardizing their financial stability. The term can also apply to the ability to provide or offer something, such as a service or an opportunity. In this sense, it encompasses not just the capability to spend money, but also the capacity to allocate time or effort towards an endeavor.
Synonyms
bear, finance, fund, manage, sustain.
Examples of usage
- I can afford to buy a new car.
- She couldn't afford the luxury vacation.
- They can afford to invest in technology.
- We can afford another round of drinks.
- Can we afford to take a risk?
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Economics
- In economics, the concept of being afforded relates directly to consumer choice and purchasing power.
- Affordability can vary widely across different socioeconomic groups, affecting access to basic needs like housing and education.
- Government policies often aim to improve affordability through subsidies or price controls.
Philosophy
- The act of considering what one can afford can lead to discussions about ethics and moral responsibility.
- Philosophers often debate whether people afford happiness through personal choices or if external factors dictate their opportunities.
- Existentialist thinkers suggest that what we can afford emotionally and socially shapes our existence.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'I can't afford that' has become a common expression in popular media, highlighting societal pressures and economic struggles.
- Various songs and films explore themes of affordability, often juxtaposing wealth and poverty.
- Reality TV shows about wealth showcase lifestyles that many claim they canโt afford, stimulating discussions on aspirations.
Psychology
- Research in consumer psychology examines how the perception of being able to afford something can influence purchasing decisions.
- Cognitive biases can affect how people assess their affordability, often leading to overestimation of their purchasing ability.
- The psychological impact of debt can change how individuals view their capacity to afford both products and lifestyle choices.
Origin of 'afforded'
Main points about word origin
- The term derives from the Old English word 'forรฐian', meaning to further or advance.
- It shares roots with the word 'for' and 'do', indicating a sense of capability or ability.
- First recorded use dates back to the late 14th century.
The word 'afford' traces its roots back to Middle English 'aforden,' which itself comes from the Old English 'ฤforรฐan,' meaning 'to further, promote; provide, supply.' The prefix 'a-' is a variation of the Old English 'on' or 'in,' while 'forรฐan' is derived from 'forรฐ,' meaning 'further, forth.' This combination implied a sense of enabling or making possible. Over time, the word evolved through various forms and usages in Middle English, with its meaning shifting towards financial contexts in the modern era. Today, 'afford' is primarily used to denote the ability to pay for something, but retains some nuances of earlier meanings related to provision and capability.