affair — a matter or situation that concerns someone; an event or sequence of events
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a matter or situation that concerns someone; an event or sequence of events
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈfer/
Example Sentences
- The company Christmas party turned into quite an affair when the boss started karaoke.
- Mind your own affairs and stop gossiping about others.
- The charity gala was a black-tie affair with celebrities everywhere.
affair
NOUN[/əˈfer/]
a matter or situation that concerns someone; an event or sequence of events
The charity event was a successful affair attended by hundreds.
Managing the affair became the mayor's top priority. (AN IMPORTANT AFFAIR = AN IMPORTANT MATTER → something important that needs attention)
Prepare for the affair, then gather and share memorable moments.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Middle French 'affaire', meaning 'a thing to be done'. It combines Latin 'ad' (to, toward) and 'facere' (to do, to make). Originally denoting business or work, the term evolved to encompass broader meanings including events, incidents, and romantic relationships.
Breakdown
ad- (to, toward) + facere (to do, to make) = a thing done or to be done. The Old French form 'affaire' developed into modern English 'affair', with semantic expansion from 'task' to 'matter', 'event', and 'romantic liaison'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The company Christmas party turned into quite an affair when the boss started karaoke.”
“Mind your own affairs and stop gossiping about others.”
“The charity gala was a black-tie affair with celebrities everywhere.”
“His affair with pizza delivery became legendary - he ordered from the same place every day for two years.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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