affinity
uh-FIN-i-tee
/əˈfɪn.ə.ti/
A natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, or idea; also, relationship by marriage or legal contract.
In everyday language, affinity means a natural attraction or compatibility. In legal language, it refers specifically to family relationships created by marriage (e.g., in-laws), as opposed to blood.
The story behind the word. Affinity comes from the Latin 'affinitas', which literally means 'bordering on' or 'nearness'. It combines 'ad-' (to) with 'finis' (border), describing two families whose lands or lives touch at the border due to a marriage alliance.
Word relationships
- attraction: Attraction is a simple, physical or emotional pull, while affinity implies a deeper, structural compatibility or shared nature.
- rapport: Rapport is a harmonious relationship built over time, whereas affinity is often immediate and inherent.
- aversion: Aversion is a strong feeling of dislike or opposition, the direct opposite of affinity.
- consanguinity: Consanguinity is relationship by blood, whereas affinity (in legal terms) is relationship by marriage.
Commonly confused with
- consanguinity: Consanguinity is biological; affinity is legal or emotional.
Word family
- affinal (adjective): Related by marriage.
Collocations
- natural affinity
- feel an affinity
- affinity by marriage
- close affinity
Example sentences
- "From a young age, she showed a natural affinity for mathematics and problem-solving." A personal reflection on career choice.
- "The judge recused himself because of his relationship of affinity with the defense attorney." A legal document explaining conflict of interest.
Memory hook
Think of 'affinity' as 'a-fin-ity'—finding a 'fine' connection that brings you to the 'finish' line together. A natural or legal connection.
When not to use
Do not use affinity to describe a blood relationship; that is the domain of consanguinity.
Fun facts
- In chemistry, 'chemical affinity' is the tendency of certain chemical species to react and form compounds with others, mimicking human attraction.
Related words
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