affinity
pronunciation
How to pronounce affinity in British English:
UK [əˈfɪnəti]
How to pronounce affinity in American English:
US [əˈfɪnəti]
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- Noun:
- the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule
- (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
- kinship by marriage or adoption; not a blood relationship
- (biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts
- a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
- inherent resemblance between persons or things
- a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
Word Origin
- affinity
- affinity: [14] The abstract notion of ‘relationship’ in affinity was originally a more concrete conception of a border. The word comes, via Old French afinite, from the Latin adjective affinis, which meant literally ‘bordering on something’. It was formed from the prefix ad- ‘to’ and the noun finis ‘border’ (from which English also gets finish, confine, and define).=> confine, define, finish, paraffin, refine
- affinity (n.)
- c. 1300, "relation by marriage" (as opposed to consanguinity), from Old French afinité (12c.), from Latin affinitatem (nominative affinitas) "neighborhood, relationship by marriage," noun of state from affinis "adjacent," also "kin by marriage," literally "bordering on," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + finis "a border, a boundary" (see finish (v.)). Used figuratively since c. 1600 of structural relationships in chemistry, philology, etc. Meaning "natural attraction" (as though by family) is from 1610s.
Example
- 1. The country 's strong cultural affinity for travel is helping prop up demand as other european markets falter .
- 2. Most charities have thousands even millions of people that either belong to the charity or who have some type of affinity with your charity .
- 3. Beta endorphin is a naturally occurring opioid neurotransmitter which has an affinity for the same receptor that is accessed by heroin and other opiates .
- 4. And he says what sets him apart from the rest of the presidential field - his friend included - is the haitian people 's true affinity for him .
- 5. You may feel a personal affinity with the mission of your employer or feel gratified knowing that you 're providing for yourself and your family .