Affectation

Quick meaning: Affectation is a noun meaning An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.

Meaning

An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.

More Meanings

1. An unusual mannerism.
2. (with of, now somewhat rare) An ostentatious fondness for something.

Example Sentences

This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love .

Her upper part of decent diſcipline / Shew’d affecation of an ancient line: / And fathers, councils, church and churches head, / Were on her reverend Phylacteries read.

[T]hey were not the spoiled children of affectation and refinement, but a bold, vigorous, independent race of thinkers, with prodigious strength and energy, with none but natural grace, and heartfelt unobtrusive delicacy.

While for some, women’s lack of knowledge is a matter for censure, throughout the century both male and female writers emphasize that affectation of knowledge, for example when it is not properly assimilated (Du Bosc 1633: 78), and above all pedantry from women, are far more unacceptable.

Word Forms

• affectations

Synonyms for affectation

Depending on context, synonyms include eccentricity, mannerism, pose.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include mannerism, pose, appropriation, placement, assignment, allotment.

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