afford

American  

[uh-fawrd] / əˈfɔrd /

verb (used with object)

1. to be able to do, manage, or bear without serious consequence or adverse effect.

   The country can't afford another drought.

2. to be able to meet the expense of; have or be able to spare the price of.

   Can we afford a trip to Europe this year? The city can easily afford to repair the street.

3. to be able to give or spare.

   He can't afford the loss of a day.

4. to furnish; supply.

   The transaction afforded him a good profit.

5. to be capable of yielding or providing.

   The records afford no explanation.

6. to give or confer upon.

   to afford great pleasure to someone.

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afford British  

/ əˈfɔːd /

verb

1. to be able to do or spare something, esp without incurring financial difficulties or without risk of undesirable consequences

   we can afford to buy a small house

   I can afford to give you one of my chess sets

   we can't afford to miss this play

2. to give, yield, or supply

   the meeting afforded much useful information

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Other Word Forms

• affordability noun
• affordable adjective

Etymology

Origin of afford

First recorded before 1050; Middle English aforthen, iforthen, Old English geforthian “to further, accomplish,” equivalent to ge- y- + forth forth + -ian infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

“Lookism,” the advantage afforded to the physically attractive, is a widely accepted concept.

From The Wall Street Journal

"In families where money is tight it is difficult to afford to eat healthily," says Ms Wiseman.

From BBC

Researchers warn that people who cannot afford private care may struggle to receive effective treatment through the National Health Service.

From Science Daily

Backed by the sovereign-wealth fund of Qatar, it can afford any player it wants.

From The Wall Street Journal

With so much time spent up in the air, they can ill afford not to.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• grant
• offer
• provide