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afford
/əˈfɔrd/
have enough money for
We can't afford a new car right now.
We do not have sufficient money to buy a new car at this time.
general
to have enough money or resources to buy or do something
She can afford to travel every summer.
She has enough money to go on vacation each summer.
The museum can afford to buy the painting.
The museum has sufficient funds to purchase the artwork.
Often used with 'can/could' to indicate possibility or permission based on financial means.
formal/literary
to provide or supply something
The garden affords a beautiful view of the valley.
The garden provides a lovely view of the valley.
Less common in modern usage; more typical in older or poetic contexts.
Collocations
afford tohave enough money/resources forcan/could affordhave the financial ability to
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Afford' vs. 'Buy'
Avoid using 'afford' to mean simply 'purchase.' 'Afford' implies the ability to pay without financial strain, not just the act of buying. For example, 'I can afford this' means 'I have enough money for this,' not 'I am buying this.'
Gold Rule
Financial Context Only
'Afford' is primarily used in financial contexts to discuss the ability to pay for something. It is not used for non-financial abilities (e.g., 'I can afford to wait' is correct for time, but 'I can afford to run a marathon' is incorrect unless discussing resources like training time/money).
Word Origin
Middle English (in the sense 'to help, promote'): from Old French *afforder* 'to bring together', based on *à* 'to' + *for* 'ready' (from Latin *foris* 'out of doors'). The sense 'have enough money for' dates from the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
1. 'Afford' is often used with 'can' or 'could' to express possibility or permission based on financial means (e.g., 'I can afford a new phone'). 2. In negative sentences, it implies inability (e.g., 'I can't afford a vacation this year'). 3. The formal/literary sense of 'provide' is rare in modern English.
Word Breakdown
af-
to
prefix-ford
ready
rootEnglish Dictionary