have enough money or resources to be able to pay for, provide or supply (an opportunity or facility)

afford oneself, afford to lose, afford time

Formal and Informal Expressions of afford

In different contexts, you can replace 'afford' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'provide, supply' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'have the money for, be able to pay for' is a commonplace synonym.

afford: Explore its Definition & Usage

afford Definition

1have enough money or resources to be able to pay for
2provide or supply (an opportunity or facility)

Using afford: Examples

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

Example
I can't afford to buy a new car right now.
Example
The hotel affords a beautiful view of the ocean.
Example
The scholarship afforded her the opportunity to attend college.

afford Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for afford

Antonyms for afford

Phrases with afford

afford oneself
to allow oneself the luxury or indulgence of something
Example
After working hard all week, she decided to afford herself a day at the spa.
afford to lose
to be able to bear the consequences of losing something
Example
He couldn't afford to lose any more money on the stock market.
afford time
to have the time available to do something
Example
I can't afford the time to take a vacation right now.

Origins of afford

from Old English 'geforðian', meaning 'to further, promote'

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Summary: afford in Brief

To 'afford' [əˈfɔːd] means to have enough money or resources to pay for something, as in 'I can't afford to buy a new car right now.' It can also mean to provide or supply an opportunity or facility, as in 'The scholarship afforded her the opportunity to attend college.' 'Afford' is often used in phrases like 'afford oneself,' meaning to allow oneself the luxury or indulgence of something, and 'afford to lose,' meaning to be able to bear the consequences of losing something.