affectation

[af-ek-tey-shuhn]

affectation Definition

  • 1behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress
  • 2a studied display of real or pretended feeling

Using affectation: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "affectation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Her accent was an affectation.

  • Example

    He spoke with an affectation of authority.

  • Example

    The writer's use of archaic language seemed like an affectation.

  • Example

    She put on an affectation of sadness to gain sympathy.

affectation Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for affectation

Phrases with affectation

  • a pretense of not caring or being uninterested

    Example

    He put on an affectation of indifference when she told him the news.

  • a pretense of being elegant or refined

    Example

    She wore a dress that was too formal for the occasion, giving off an affectation of elegance.

  • a pretense of being humble or unassuming

    Example

    His affectation of modesty was seen as insincere by his colleagues.

Origins of affectation

from Latin 'affectatio', meaning 'a striving after'

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Summary: affectation in Brief

'Affectation' [af-ek-tey-shuhn] refers to behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress, or a studied display of real or pretended feeling. It can be seen in someone's accent, language, or mannerisms, and often comes across as insincere or pretentious. Phrases like 'affectation of indifference' and 'affectation of elegance' describe specific types of pretense. Synonyms include 'pretension,' 'posturing,' and 'posing.'