noun
affair
uh-FEH-uh
noun
1
A matter, event, or piece of business, especially one being discussed in a general or vague way.
"The whole affair was handled quietly to avoid embarrassment."
"It turned into a messy legal affair that dragged on for years."
2
A secret romantic or sexual relationship, especially involving someone who is already in a committed relationship.
"The scandal broke after his affair with a colleague came to light."
"She ended the affair once she realised how much it was hurting her family."
3
A social event, especially a formal or elaborate one.
"Their wedding was a lavish affair with three hundred guests."
"The office party is usually a fairly low-key affair."
How to Use Affair
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLoosely, "a matter" or "a business"; in a narrower sense, a secret romantic relationship outside a marriage or partnership; also used for a social event.
Common mistake
Context decides the meaning — "state of affairs" is neutral, while "having an affair" specifically means cheating.
Common pairings
have an affair
a formal affair
a messy affair
Word Forms
affairs plural
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The whole _____ was handled quietly to avoid embarrassment.
Etymology
From Old French a faire, "to do" — literally "(something) to be done" — going back to Latin ad + facere ("to do").