C2nounformalrelationshipslanguage
US/ˌæf.ekˈteɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌæf.ekˈteɪ.ʃən/
behavior or speech that is not natural and is meant to impress other people
In context
Her British accent was an affectation she picked up after one summer in London.
He speaks simply and without affectation, which is why people trust him.
Using difficult words in emails can look like an affectation.
Words that go with affectation
noun + preposition
- without affectationThe old farmer told his story without affectation.
- affectation ofHis affectation of boredom fooled nobody.
- air of affectationThere was an air of affectation about the way he held his wine glass.
adjective + noun
- mere affectationCritics called his interest in poetry a mere affectation.
adjective + preposition
- free of affectationHer writing is clear and free of affectation.