What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affiliation
Example
Her affiliation with the political party helped her secure the nomination. [affiliation: noun]
Example
He affiliated himself with the local charity organization to help with their fundraising efforts. [affiliated: verb]
attachment
Example
She has a strong attachment to her childhood home and visits it often. [attachment: noun]
Example
The attachment of the document to the email was successful. [attachment: noun]
Example
He attached the leash to the dog's collar before taking him for a walk. [attached: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attachment is more commonly used than affiliation in everyday language. Attachment is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while affiliation is less common and is typically used in professional or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affiliation and attachment?
Affiliation is more formal and objective than attachment, which is more personal and emotional in nature. Therefore, affiliation is more appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts, while attachment is more appropriate for personal or emotional contexts.