Affairs
/əˈfɛrz/
nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
Matters, events, or activities, especially those that are important or serious.
/əˈfɛrz/
nounneutralBeginner
General
Events or activities
He has many personal affairs to attend to.
💡 Simply: Important things happening.
More Examples
2
World affairs are constantly changing.
How It's Used
General
"The company's financial affairs are in disarray."
Politics
"Foreign affairs are a complex issue."
2
A secret romantic relationship, especially one that is considered morally wrong.
/əˈfɛrz/
nounnegativeIntermediate
General
Romantic relationship
The scandal involved a high-profile politician having an affair.
💡 Simply: A hidden romantic relationship.
How It's Used
Gossip
"She's having an affair with her colleague."
Tip:Secret 'affair' = secret love.
From Old French 'affaires', from Vulgar Latin 'ad+facere' (to do). Initially referring to things to be done, it evolved to encompass matters and events.
The word's usage concerning romantic relationships has become more prevalent in modern times.
Memory tip
Think of 'a fair' - many things happening at once.
Practice
affarisafair
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written