affinity
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for affinity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A natural liking, attraction, or sense of connection toward someone or something.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use affinity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
an affinity for
a natural affinity
strong affinity between
Etymology
From Old French affinité, ultimately from Latin affinitas, originally referring to a relationship formed through marriage rather than blood.
Full origin of affinity →Frequently asked questions
What does “affinity” mean?
The word “affinity” means a natural liking, attraction, or sense of connection toward someone or something. In plain terms, a natural pull toward something, or a close similarity between two things.
How do you pronounce “affinity”?
“Affinity” is pronounced uh-FIH-nih-tee (/əˈfɪnɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “affinity” in a sentence?
Here is “affinity” used in a sentence: “She’s always had an affinity for languages.”
What part of speech is “affinity”?
“Affinity” is a noun.
Where does the word “affinity” come from?
The word “affinity” comes from Latin. From Old French affinité, ultimately from Latin affinitas, originally referring to a relationship formed through marriage rather than blood.
Is “affinity” a common word?
“Affinity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “affinity” have?
“Affinity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a natural liking, attraction, or sense of connection toward someone or something.
What is the difference between affinity and attraction?
"Affinity" describes a natural liking or sense of connection toward someone or something, which can be intellectual or emotional, while "attraction" often implies a pull toward someone, frequently romantic or physical. Affinity is broader and can apply to ideas, hobbies, or people.
What preposition follows affinity?
"Affinity" is usually followed by "for" or "with," as in "an affinity for languages" or "an affinity with nature," both indicating the object of the connection.
What is the difference between affinity and similarity?
"Similarity" simply states that two things are alike, while "affinity" suggests a deeper relationship or shared origin between them, such as a linguistic affinity between related things.
