noun
affinity
uh-FIH-nih-tee
noun
1
A natural liking, attraction, or sense of connection toward someone or something.
"She’s always had an affinity for languages."
"He felt an immediate affinity with the other new recruits."
2
A close resemblance or relationship between two things, suggesting a shared origin or type.
"There’s a clear affinity between the two languages."
"Scientists noted an affinity between the two mineral samples."
How to Use Affinity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA natural pull toward something, or a close similarity between two things.
Common pairings
an affinity for
a natural affinity
strong affinity between
Word Forms
affinities plural
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She’s always had an _____ for languages.
Etymology
From Old French affinité, ultimately from Latin affinitas, originally referring to a relationship formed through marriage rather than blood.