The meaning of AFFECTATION is speech or conduct not natural to oneself : an unnatural form of behavior meant especially to impress others. How to use affectation in a sentence.

AFFECTATION definition: an effort to appear to have a quality not really or fully possessed; the pretense of actual possession. See examples of affectation used in a sentence.

AFFECTATION meaning: 1. behaviour or speech that is not sincere: 2. behavior or speech that is not sincere: 3. speech…. Learn more.

An affectation is an artificial manner or behavior adopted to impress others or call attention to oneself: "Post-Renaissance scholars often adopted the affectation of recasting their names in classical form" …

Definition of affectation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you say that someone's attitude or behaviour is an affectation, you disapprove of the fact that it is not genuine or natural, but is intended to impress other people.

Aug 28, 2025 · While for some, women’s lack of knowledge is a matter for censure, throughout the century both male and female writers emphasize that affectation of knowledge, for example when it …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun affectation, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

An affectation is an artificial manner or behavior adopted to impress others or call attention to oneself: "Post-Renaissance scholars often adopted the affectation of recasting their names in classical form" …

Never confuse affectation with affection — which means “love” or “tenderness.” While affection might not always be genuine, affectation is never the real thing.