afford

The definition of afford means to be able to do or have something without negative consequences occurring as a result.

(verb)

An example of afford is being able to go on a vacation while still having enought money to pay bills for the home.

See afford in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to have enough or the means for; bear the cost of without serious inconvenience: used with can or be able: I'm not able to afford a car; can you afford the time?
to manage (to do something) without risking serious consequences: used with can: I can afford to speak frankly
to give; furnish: music affords her pleasure

Origin: ME aforthen < OE geforthian, to advance < forthian, to further

Related Forms:

See afford in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb af·ford·ed, af·ford·ing, af·fords

To have the financial means for; bear the cost of: not able to afford a new car.
To manage to spare or give up: can't afford an hour for lunch.
To manage or bear without disadvantage or risk to oneself: can afford to be tolerant.
To make available; provide: a sport affording good exercise; a tree that affords ample shade.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English aforthen

Origin: , from Old English geforthian, to carry out

Origin: : ge-, perfective pref.; see yclept

Origin: + forthian, to further (from forth, forth, forward; see per¹ in Indo-European roots)

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