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Webster 1913 Edition

Affectation

Afˊfec-ta′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
affectatio
: cf. F.
affectation
.]
1.
An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.
“An affectation of contempt.”
Macaulay.
Affectation
is an awkward and forced imitation of what should be genuine and easy, wanting the beauty that accompanies what is natural what is natural.
Locke.
2.
A striving after.
[Obs.]
Bp. Pearson.
3.
Fondness; affection.
[Obs.]
Hooker.

Webster 1828 Edition

Affectation

AFFECTA'TION

,
Noun.
[L. affectatio.]
1.
An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false pretense; artificial appearance, or show; as, an affectation of wit, or of virtue.
2.
Fondness; affection. [Not used.]

Definition 2024

affectation

affectation

English

Noun

affectation ‎(plural affectations)

  1. An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.
    • 1810, Dr. Samuel Johnson, “Life of Gower”, in The Works of the English Poets, Digitized edition, published 2009:
      This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love ...
  2. An unusual mannerism.

Synonyms

Related terms

Translations

French

Pronunciation

Noun

affectation f ‎(plural affectations)

  1. allocation, allotment
  2. assignment
  3. posting
  4. affectation

Etymology

First attested in 1548. From Latin affectātiōnem (possibly via French affectation), from affectō ‎(“I feign”).

Pronunciation

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