affectation
gb/ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
~ 8400
modorosság, affektálás, díszítőelem, manír
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
modorosság
C1
affektálás
C1
Usage pattern:
an affectation of [emotion/attitude]
His British accent is just an affectation he picked up after a year abroad.
Az angolos kiejtése csak affektálás, amit egy külföldön töltött év után szedett fel.
She spoke with an affectation of modesty that fooled no one in the room.
Mesterkélt szerénységgel beszélt, ami a teremben senkit sem tévesztett meg.
The novel is powerful, but some readers dislike its stylistic affectations.
He wears old-fashioned hats as a kind of affectation to seem artistic.
The restaurant’s rustic decor feels more like an affectation than a genuine design choice.
Learner examples
His deep, slow voice is an affectation, not his real way of speaking.
A mély, lassú hangja csak modorosság, valójában nem így beszél.
She showed an affectation of indifference, but she really cared a lot.
Közönyt színlelt, pedig valójában nagyon is érdekelte a dolog.
He uses long, rare words as an affectation to sound smart.
The movie is good, but there are many affectations in the dialogue.
She tries to act cool, but it looks like an affectation.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "affectation" with "affection." "Affectation" is fake behavior or style; "affection" is a warm, loving feeling toward someone. Also, learners sometimes think "affectation" is a verb like "affect"—it is only a noun.
Meaning
artificial behavior to impress
Collocations
without affectation
|an affectation of modesty
|an affectation of indifference
|literary affectation
|speech affectations
|social affectations
Synonyms
pretentiousness (Stresses showing off or trying to seem more important or cultured than you are.)
|
artificiality (Focuses on being not natural or real, without always implying a desire to impress.)
Antonyms
naturalness (Describes behavior or style that is relaxed, real, and not put on.)
Themes
behavior
|personality
|communication
|social_life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A way of speaking, acting, or dressing that is not natural, used to look important, special, or different.
Behavior, speech, or style that is not natural but is put on deliberately in order to impress others or hide one’s true feelings.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
díszítőelem
B2
manír
C1
Usage pattern:
an affectation in [writing/clothing/design]
The tiny pocket on the jacket sleeve is purely an affectation and serves no purpose.
A zakó ujján lévő apró zseb puszta díszítőelem, semmire sem való.
Some critics see the book’s lack of capital letters as a needless affectation.
Néhány kritikus a könyv nagybetűk nélküli írásmódját felesleges manírnak tartja.
The old typewriter on his desk is more of an aesthetic affectation than a useful tool.
Her oversized glasses are a fashion affectation rather than something she needs to see.
The architect avoided historical affectations and kept the design simple and clean.
Learner examples
The gold chain on the shoe is just an affectation.
A cipőn lévő aranylánc csak dísz.
The writer’s strange spelling looks like an affectation, not a real rule.
Az író furcsa helyesírása inkább manírnak tűnik, nem valódi szabálynak.
That small hat is an affectation; it does not protect him from the sun.
He keeps an empty guitar case as an affectation to look like a musician.
These design affectations make the room look busy and not comfortable.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is a more specific use of the general idea of fake or showy style, often used for physical or stylistic details rather than whole behavior.
Meaning
unnecessary decorative feature
Collocations
stylistic affectation
|fashionable affectation
|a mere affectation
|a minor affectation
|design affectations
Synonyms
embellishment (Suggests a decorative addition, often more neutral and not always negative.)
|
flourish (Implies a showy extra detail; can be approving or disapproving depending on context.)
Antonyms
functional detail (Highlights a feature that has a clear practical purpose, not just style.)
Themes
art
|fashion
|writing
|design
|arts_entertainment
|clothing
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small thing added to style, clothes, or writing that is not needed and is only there to look special or different.
A detail or feature in clothing, writing, design, or similar areas that is added mainly for show and not for any real need or function.
Grammar
Dictionary form
affectation
IPA
GB/ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
af - fect - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: affectation
- Plural: affectation, affectations
Word family
Forms
affectations
noun
Core family
affected
adjective
Related words
affect
verb B1
Negative and opposite forms
unaffected
adjective
Advanced or less common
affectedly
adverb
Expressions
an affectation of
1/ən ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən əv/
fixed phrase
formal
false show of an emotion
A fake or put-on show of a feeling or attitude, such as modesty, sadness, or indifference.
Examples
- His apology came with an affectation of humility that felt insincere.
- She greeted them with an affectation of surprise, though she had planned everything in advance.
without affectation
1/wɪðˈaʊt ˌæfɛktˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
in a natural, unforced way
To do something naturally and simply, not trying to impress other people and not acting in a fake way.
Examples
- She spoke without affectation, and the audience trusted her immediately.
- The actor plays the role without affectation, making the character feel real.