Affectation


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.
conspicuous artificiality of manner or appearance; effort to attract notice by pretense, assumption, or any assumed peculiarity.
a trait, action, or expression characterized by such artificiality:
a man of a thousand affectations.
Obsolete.

strenuous pursuit, desire, or aspiration.
affection; fondness:
his affectation of literature.

Contemporary Examples

What is a distinctive habit or affectation related to the writing process?
How I Write: Michael Connelly Noah Charney January 7, 2014

What is a distinctive habit or affectation of yours related to writing?
How I Write: Jared Diamond Noah Charney November 19, 2013

Saturn in your sign will keep things real, refining elements in your make-up that smack of affectation.
Horoscopes: The Week of March 27 Starsky + Cox March 25, 2011

Historical Examples

There was no affectation in this; but much genuine, innate pride.
The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson, Volumes One and Two Harriette Wilson

affectation the attempt to work up by our own efforts an enthusiasm for Nature.
Practical Ethics William DeWitt Hyde

Varney gave his largesse with an affectation of complaisance and humility.
Kenilworth Sir Walter Scott

Except for purposes of wit or humor, this affectation is not to be tolerated.
Elementary Guide to Literary Criticism F. V. N. Painter

It was difficult to associate Beth with the idea of prudery or affectation.
The Vagrant Duke George Gibbs

In time they were succeeded by an affectation of contrite apology and self-depreciation.
Flip: A California Romance Bret Harte

He is an impressive writer, but his style is vitiated by an affectation of grandeur.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 366 Various

noun
an assumed manner of speech, dress, or behaviour, esp one that is intended to impress others
(often foll by of) deliberate pretence or false display: affectation of nobility
n.

“studied display,” 1540s, from French affectation (16c.) or directly from Latin affectationem (nominative affectatio) “a striving after, a claiming,” noun of action from past participle stem of affectare “to strive for” (see affect (v.2)).

Read Also:

  • Affectable

    to act on; produce an effect or change in: Cold weather affected the crops. to impress the mind or move the feelings of: The music affected him deeply. (of pain, disease, etc.) to attack or lay hold of. Psychology. feeling or emotion. Psychiatry. an expressed or observed emotional response: Restricted, flat, or blunted affect may […]

  • Affected class

    noun a group which is adversely affected or discriminated against by a specific policy, practice, or piece of legislation Examples Affected class status must be determined by analysis or court decision.

  • Affected

    acted upon; influenced. influenced in a harmful way; impaired, harmed, or attacked, as by climate or disease. (of the mind or feelings) impressed; moved; touched: She was deeply affected by their generosity. assumed artificially; unnatural; feigned: affected sophistication; an affected British accent. assuming or pretending to possess that which is not natural: Her affected wealth […]

  • Affectedly

    assumed artificially; unnatural; feigned: affected sophistication; an affected British accent. assuming or pretending to possess that which is not natural: Her affected wealth and social pedigree are so obviously false that it’s embarrassing. inclined or disposed: well affected toward the speaker’s cause. held in affection; fancied: a novel much affected by our grandparents. Historical Examples […]

  • Affectedness

    assumed artificially; unnatural; feigned: affected sophistication; an affected British accent. assuming or pretending to possess that which is not natural: Her affected wealth and social pedigree are so obviously false that it’s embarrassing. inclined or disposed: well affected toward the speaker’s cause. held in affection; fancied: a novel much affected by our grandparents. Historical Examples […]


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