51Թ

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affectation

[ af-ek-tey-shuhn ]

noun

  1. an effort to appear to have a quality not really or fully possessed; the pretense of actual possession:

    an affectation of interest in art; affectation of great wealth.

  2. conspicuous artificiality of manner or appearance; effort to attract notice by pretense, assumption, or any assumed peculiarity.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,

    Antonyms: ,

  3. a trait, action, or expression characterized by such artificiality:

    a man of a thousand affectations.

  4. Obsolete.
    1. strenuous pursuit, desire, or aspiration.
    2. affection; fondness:

      his affectation of literature.



affectation

/ ˌæɛˈٱɪʃə /

noun

  1. an assumed manner of speech, dress, or behaviour, esp one that is intended to impress others
  2. often foll by of deliberate pretence or false display

    affectation of nobility

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ԴDza·ڱ·ٲtDz noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of affectation1

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin ڴڱ𳦳پō- (stem of ڴڱ𳦳پō ) “a striving after,” equivalent to ڴڱ𳦳(ܲ), past participle of ڴڱ𳦳 “to strive after, feign” + -ō- a suffix forming nouns; affect 2, -ate 1, -ion
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of affectation1

C16: from Latin ڴڱ𳦳پō- an aiming at, striving after, from ڴڱ𳦳; see affect ²
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

While Ross’ style undeniably calls attention to itself, the director is prescient enough to know that some will see his untraditional mode as a mere affectation.

From

Cahoon’s approach to the role is so full of zany affectations and mannerisms that it’s hard to feel on intimate terms with Albin.

From

Vocal fry is a normal vocal affectation — used by both men and women — where you drop your voice for emphasis.

From

Saying they will write in someone else's name, as former Vice President Mike Pence and former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton, are saying they will do is a silly affectation.

From

In Vance, Republicans have a potential vice president who projects a hostile affectation of purported Middle American family values.

From

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