afford
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Alternative forms
[edit] Etymology
From Old English afōrthen, Old English geforðian, forðian (“to further, accomplish, afford”), from forð (“forth, forward”). The prefix ge- has no well defined sense. See forth.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Verb
afford (third-person singular simple present affords, present participle affording, simple past and past participle afforded)
- To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious; -- with an auxiliary, as can, could, might, etc.; to be able or rich enough.
- I think we can afford the extra hour it will take.
- We can only afford to buy a small car at the moment.
- To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting, expending, with profit, or without loss or too great injury.
- A affords his goods cheaper than B.
- A man can afford a sum yearly in charity.
- To give forth; to supply, yield, or produce as the natural result, fruit, or issue.
- Grapes afford wine.
- Olives afford oil.
- The earth affords fruit.
- The sea affords an abundant supply of fish.
- To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish.
- A good life affords consolation in old age.
[edit] Usage notes
- Sense 1. This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive. See Appendix:English catenative verbs
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
to incur, stand, or bear
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