afford

/əˈfoɹd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: affords · affording · afforded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious; (usually after an expression of ability, as could, able, difficult) to be able or rich enough; to spare.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Chịu đựng được mà không bị tổn hại nghiêm trọng; đủ khả năng hoặc giàu có

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

I think we can afford the extra hour it will take.  We can only afford to buy a small car at the moment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Cung cấp, cấp phát hoặc trao tặng

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

A good life affords consolation in old age.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “afford” mean?

To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious; (usually after an expression of ability, as could, able, difficult) to be able or rich enough; to spare.

Is “afford” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.