Search

to be able to do, manage, or bear without serious consequence or adverse effect:
The country can’t afford another drought.
to be able to meet the expense of; have or be able to spare the price of:
Can we afford a trip to Europe this year? The city can easily afford to repair the street.
to be able to give or spare:
He can’t afford the loss of a day.
to furnish; supply:
The transaction afforded him a good profit.
to be capable of yielding or providing:
The records afford no explanation.
to give or confer upon:
to afford great pleasure to someone.
Contemporary Examples

But the intensity of the mob around Allen is not afforded to every celebrity.
He’s Still Older, Even in the Moonlight: Woody Allen’s May-December Romances Inspire Scrutiny Teo Bugbee July 24, 2014

The jury was afforded a 20-minute break to “clear their heads,” as Senior Judge John Cleland described it.
Jerry Sandusky Trial, Day Eight: Adopted Son Drops a Bombshell Diane Dimond June 20, 2012

Since March 2010 the Affordable Care Act has afforded 3.1 million young adults access to insurance they would not otherwise have.
Obamacare Throws Lifeline to Young Adults Seeking Health Insurance Dan Mizrachi June 6, 2013

Expertise in education, or welfare spending, or environmental stewardship is afforded some respect.
What War Costs the Right Conor Friedersdorf September 27, 2009

The past five years have afforded me experiences I could never have imagined and met some of the most fantastic people.
Exclusive: My Secret Struggle with Asperger’s, By Susan Boyle Susan Boyle April 8, 2014

Historical Examples

This sally, which was delivered with spirit, afforded the doctor an evident relish.
The Romance of a Plain Man Ellen Glasgow

Here too experience has afforded us the most satisfactory proof in its favor.
United States Presidents’ Inaugural Speeches Various

It afforded a fine promenade, and they were enjoying the moonlight that fell upon it.
Wives and Widows; or The Broken Life Ann S. Stephens

Ganymede was of a tenacious mettle, and of this he now afforded proof.
Bardelys the Magnificent Rafael Sabatini

This fact, contrary to Parsons principles, had afforded the man secret enjoyment.
The Ranchman Charles Alden Seltzer

verb
preceded by can, could, etc. to be able to do or spare something, esp without incurring financial difficulties or without risk of undesirable consequences: we can afford to buy a small house, I can afford to give you one of my chess sets, we can’t afford to miss this play
to give, yield, or supply: the meeting afforded much useful information
v.

Old English geforðian “to put forth, contribute; further, advance; carry out, accomplish,” from ge- completive prefix (see a- (1)) + forðian “to further,” from forð “forward, onward” (see forth).

Change of -th- to -d- took place late 16c. (and also transformed burthen and murther into their modern forms). Prefix shift to af- took place 16c. under mistaken belief that it was a Latin word in ad-. Notion of “accomplish” (late Old English) gradually became “manage to buy or maintain; have enough money (to do something)” (1833). Older sense is preserved in afford (one) an opportunity. Related: Afforded; affording.