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 Words From

• nonaf·fec·tation 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

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

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 Salon

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

From Salon

Other affectations such as Booth’s cravat pin, pinkie ring and monogrammed leather boots add to his carefully curated image.

From Los Angeles Times