Words / C1

uh-FIN-uh-tee/əˈfɪnəti/

Affinity is a natural liking or sympathy, or a close relationship: an affinity with night work, an affinity between two methods. Affection (already in the dictionary) is warmer and more personal; dislike sits opposite. A taste for a shift is not a methods section.

Meaning

A natural liking or sympathy; also a close resemblance or relationship.

Examples

• “An affinity for night teaching is not a methods section.”
• “Liking is everyday. Kinship is the family/resemblance twin. Affection is already in this course and warmer. Taste is preference. A protocol is a named step. Put the protocol in methods; leave the liking for the interview.”

Good to know

A natural liking or close relationship. Everyday: liking. Contrast: affection (already in the dictionary; warmer). Taste ≠ methods.

Near in meaning

liking

New