Finesentence

Affording Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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affording

af-ford-ing

🇺🇸 /əˈfɔɹdɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɐfˈɔːdɪŋ/

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial ability

Affording refers to having enough resources, usually money, to be able to buy something or to undertake a particular action. It demonstrates the economic capability to acquire goods or services without causing financial strain. In a broader sense, to afford something can also indicate having the time or means to engage in a certain behavior or activity, not just material possessions.

Synonyms

bear, finance, manage, sustain.

Examples of usage

  • I can afford to buy a new car.
  • Can we afford a vacation this year?
  • He can't afford to miss work.
  • We need to see if we can afford this decision.

Translations

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Quick facts about “affording”

Affording is a 3-syllable verb (af-ford-ing). It is pronounced /əˈfɔɹdɪŋ/ in American English and /ɐfˈɔːdɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #9,763 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'affording'

The word 'afford' is derived from the Old English term 'forðian', meaning to further or to bring forward. The root can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'furþan', which means to go forth or to proceed. Over time, the term evolved through various stages, undergoing phonetic and semantic shifts. By Middle English, it appeared in the form 'afforden', reflecting the sense of being able or having the means to do something. The modern usage of 'afford' continues this evolution, focusing primarily on the concept of financial capability, but also branching out to imply the ability in terms of time and effort as well. Its usage in commerce and everyday language has become integral as economic considerations shape everyday decisions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,763 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.