afford

verb af·ford \ə-ˈfȯrd\

: 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

Full Definition of AFFORD

transitive verb

a : 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>

: to make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably <the sun affords warmth to the earth>

— af·ford·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— af·ford·able \-ˈfȯr-də-bəl\ adjective

— af·ford·ably \ə-ˈfȯr-də-blē\ adverb

See afford defined for English-language learners

See afford defined for kids

Origin 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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to AFFORD

Synonyms: go, swing

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>.