affectation

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English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Noun

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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[1], 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

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Derived terms

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Translations

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French

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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affectation f (plural affectations)

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

Further reading

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