Search Dictionary
Definition of affectation

affectation

/ˌæf.ɛkˈteɪ.ʃən/
af · fec · ta · tion
Plural:affectations
•
Adjective:affectational
JUMP TO:

affectation Lexical Profile

affectation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress rather than genuine.

Example

"She spoke with a slight British accent that her childhood friends recognized as pure affectation."

2

A studied or pretentious mannerism, habit, or quirk adopted to project a particular image.

Example

"Wearing a cape to evening lectures was one of the eccentric professor's most recognizable affectations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for affectation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for affectation

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'affectation' (an artificial or pretentious display) with 'affection' (a gentle feeling of fondness or love).

• Rhymes for affectation

• Nearby Words

affably
affair
affect
affectation
affected
affecting
affectingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin affectationem, a noun of action from affectare ('to strive after, aim at, or feign'), derived from afficere ('to do something to, influence').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Affectation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/affectation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.