affiliated

American  

[uh-fil-ee-ey-tid] / əˈfɪl iˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. being in close formal or informal association; related.

   a letter sent to all affiliated clubs; a radio network and its affiliated local stations.

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Other Word Forms

• nonaffiliated adjective
• unaffiliated adjective

Etymology

Origin of affiliated

First recorded in 1785–95; affiliate + -ed ²

Explanation

If two things are affiliated, they are closely associated or connected with one another. When you join a cause, you become affiliated with it and what it represents. You learned to choose your battles more carefully after becoming affiliated with the "Save the Pigeons" campaign. Coming from the verb "affiliate," the adjective affiliated shares its history, starting with the Latin stem affiliare, meaning "to adopt." As such, we "adopt" the ideals and goals of groups with which we join and become affiliated. You could be affiliated with a particular church or temple. As a celebrity, you are affiliated with a number of charities. There is also a legal meaning, whereby a mother can affiliate a child, or declare its paternity.

Example Sentences

Politicians affiliated with the group also hold two cabinet-level positions with the government.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“Anyone that has done the drive from San Pedro to Sylmar knows that L.A. is a big place,” said Trujillo, who isn’t affiliated with any of the candidates in the June 2 mayoral primary.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Collectives are affiliated with, but not run by, the schools.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

However, their affiliated fundraising arms – including those supporting athletics – are set up as separate nonprofit foundations and typically need to apply for and receive that designation.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

“Good to find another person who knows what a Canto knot is. But I travel a lot, my friend. I see and know a lot of people, people who I might not be affiliated with.”

From "Legend" by Marie Lu

Related Words

• connected