affectation

First attested in 1548. From Latin affectātiōnem (possibly via French affectation), from affectō (“I feign”).

• (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA^(key): /ˌæf.ɛkˈteɪ.ʃən/

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• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

affectation (countable and uncountable, plural affectations)

1. An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.
   • 1810, Dr. Samuel Johnson, “Life of Gower”, in The Works of the English Poets‎, Digitized edition, published 2009:

     This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love ...

2. An unusual mannerism.

• (unusual mannerism): eccentricity, mannerism

• affect
• affectatious
• affecter
• affective
• affection
• affectionate

• IPA^(key): /a.fɛk.ta.sjɔ̃/

• Audio

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affectation f (plural affectations)

1. allocation, allotment
2. assignment
3. posting
4. affectation