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: airs, pretension, simulation, pretense, pose, facade, appearance
   Antonyms: sincerity, simplicity

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

/ ˌæfɛkˈteɪʃən /

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

Other Word Forms

• nonaffectation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affectation¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin affectātiōn- (stem of affectātiō ) “a striving after,” equivalent to affectāt(us), past participle of affectāre “to strive after, feign” + -iōn- a suffix forming nouns; affect ², -ate ¹, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of affectation¹

C16: from Latin affectātiōn- an aiming at, striving after, from affectāre; see _affect ²

Example Sentences

The ironic thing is that those affectations made her, somehow, more authentically herself.

From Los Angeles Times

For all her campy affectations, Samantha was always the most grounded of the characters, able to cut to the heart of things with a witty line, biting comment or just a simple truth.

From Los Angeles Times

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 Salon

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 Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon