Afford
/əˈfɔːrd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have sufficient means or resources to pay for or do something.
/əˈfɔːrd/
To have enough money to buy something.
I can't afford that expensive dress.
💡 Simply: To have enough money.
More Examples
We can afford a small vacation this year.
How It's Used
"Can we afford a new car this year?"
"The company cannot afford to lose any more clients."
To be able to bear or endure something.
/əˈfɔːrd/
To be able to do or bear something without causing problems.
He couldn't afford to wait any longer.
💡 Simply: To be able to handle something.
More Examples
We cannot afford to ignore this issue.
How It's Used
"I cannot afford to lose your friendship."
"The company cannot afford to make any more mistakes."
From Old French *afforrer, meaning "to strengthen," "to support." It evolved to mean "to provide or give," then to its current sense of having the means to buy or do something.
The word's meaning shifted from 'provide' to 'have the means' over time.
Memory tip
Think of 'a ford' - to cross a ford you need the means to do it (e.g., a strong car). Afford is about having the means.