afford
Looking for the meaning of afford? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious;—with an auxiliary, as can, could, might, etc.; to be able or rich enough.
“I think we can afford the extra hour it will take. We can only afford to buy a small car at the moment.”
To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting, expending, with profit, or without loss or too great injury.
“A affords his goods cheaper than B.”
To give forth; to supply, yield, or produce as the natural result, fruit, or issue.
“Grapes afford wine. Olives afford oil. The earth affords fruit. The sea affords an abundant supply of fish.”
To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish.
“A good life affords consolation in old age.”
Understanding "afford"
The word **"afford"** is a **verb** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/əˈfɔːd/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"afford"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "afford" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a verb, the term "afford" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "afford" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /əˈfɔːd/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "afford" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "afford" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a verb. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "afford" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "afford". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/əˈfɔːd/), part of speech (verb), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "afford" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use afford in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "afford" can be used in academic and casual conversations.