afford
verb (used with object)
to be able to do, manage, or bear without serious consequence or adverse effect.
was affording
-
past progressiveof afford.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Jackson’s words, “Congress could not have meant for the guarantees it was affording to be so cavalierly swept aside.”
From Slate ● Jun. 23, 2026
The Building Society Association said one of the biggest barriers to buying property was affording the mortgage repayments and raising the deposit to buy.
From BBC ● May 31, 2024
Before he broke out as a comedian, he believed the greatest life he could have if he continued pursuing his passion was affording a single loaf a bread each week.
From Time ● Sep. 19, 2017
I was thinking, too, that the stillness was affording me a first real opportunity to reflect.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Her little world was jogging comfortably along: Geraldine was well; for Janet McFadden life seemed to be brightening; and for Janet as well as Rosie the waning summer was affording many treats.
From The Rosie World by Parker Fillmore
