affectation

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English

WOTD – 9 February 2008

Etymology

First attested in 1548. From Latin affectātiōnem (possibly via French affectation), from affectō (“I feign”).

Pronunciation

Noun

affectation (countable and uncountable, plural affectations)

  1. An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.
    • 1810, Dr. Samuel Johnson, “Life of Gower”, in The Works of the English Poets‎, Digitized edition, published 2009:
      This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love ...
    • 1820, William Hazlitt, “Lecture I. Introductory.”, in Lectures Chiefly on the Dramatic Literature of the Age of Elizabeth. , London: Stodart and Steuart, ; Edinburgh: Bell and Bradfute, →OCLC, page 2:
      [T]hey were not the spoiled children of affectation and refinement, but a bold, vigorous, independent race of thinkers, with prodigious strength and energy, with none but natural grace, and heartfelt unobtrusive delicacy.
  2. An unusual mannerism.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

French

Pronunciation

Noun

affectation f (plural affectations)

  1. allocation, allotment
  2. assignment
  3. posting
  4. affectation

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