afford

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verb af·ford \ə-ˈfȯrd\

Definition of afford

transitive verb
1a : to manage to bear without serious detriment You can't afford to neglect your health.b : to be able to bear the cost of can't afford to be out of work long
2 : to make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably The sun affords warmth to the earth. a delay that will afford us more time

See afford defined for English-language learners

See afford defined for kids

Examples of afford in a Sentence

We were too poor to afford a doctor.
He'll be able to afford a house next year.
Don't spend more than you can afford.
They couldn't afford new coats for the children.
We can afford waiting a while longer.
All of the rooms afford views of the lake.
He was afforded the opportunity to work for a judge.

Recent Examples of afford from the Web

Another idea — if there is enough time — is to donate the party to another couple who maybe can't afford such an extravagant reception.

— maureen c. gilmer, Indianapolis Star, "Wedding fail: How to make the most of it," 19 July 2017
McConnell can afford to lose two Republican votes, though no more than that.

— clare foran, The Atlantic, "Obamacare Repeal-Only Effort Draws Republican Opposition," 18 July 2017
Many of the hipsters and young professionals breathing life into downtown hotspots and trendy Over-the-Rhine hangouts simply can't afford the rent in Cincinnati's pricey urban center.

— randy tucker, Cincinnati.com, "Ready to live in a Cincinnati 'micro apartment?'," 12 July 2017
Chelsea, meanwhile, can't afford to go into the new season without Diego Costa's successor in the fold.

— avi creditor, SI.com, "Mbappe, Alexis, Morata, Ronaldo and more: The 10 transfer sagas we're still waiting on," 12 July 2017
In comparison, the other cabins on the train only afforded enough room for a sitting area that converted into a double or twin bed at night and a washbasin with shared full bathrooms at the end of the carriage.

— lyndsey matthews, Town & Country, "The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Has 3 New Grand Suites That Will Make You Want to Book Passage Now," 10 July 2017
McConnell cannot afford to have more than two of the 52 Republican senators vote no.

— michael f. cannon, National Review, "Bringing Senate Conservatives and Moderates Together on Health-Care Reform," 10 July 2017
Without Medicaid, few people at any income level could afford a long-term stay in a nursing home, which can cost as much as $90,000 a year.

— Philly.com, "Republicans want to throw grandma out the window," 5 July 2017
Developers have built a half-dozen tall towers with apartments that only a billionaire could afford on 57th Street.

— charles v. bagli, New York Times, "A Holdout Delays a Developer’s Latest High-Rise Dream," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'afford.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of afford

Middle English aforthen, from Old English geforthian to carry out, from ge-, perfective prefix + forthian to carry out, from forth — more at co-, forth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of afford

give, present, donate, bestow, confer, afford mean to convey to another as a possession. give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means. give alms gave her a ride on a pony give my love to your mother present carries a note of formality and ceremony. present an award donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity). donate a piano to the orphanage bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver. bestow unwanted advice confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor). confer an honorary degree afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver. the trees afford shade a development that affords us some hope

AFFORD Defined for English Language Learners

afford

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verb

Definition of afford for English Language Learners

: to be able to pay for (something)
: to be able to do (something) without having problems or being seriously harmed
: to supply or provide (something needed or wanted) to someone

AFFORD Defined for Kids

afford

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verb af·ford \ə-ˈfȯrd\

Definition of afford for Students

afforded

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affording

1 : to be able to do or bear without serious harm You cannot afford to waste your strength.
2 : to be able to pay for I can't afford a new car.
3 : to supply or provide someone with Tennis affords good exercise.