Affinities
/əˈfɪnɪtiz/
nounB2plural
Definition
Affinities mean a natural closeness or attraction to someone or something. It shows a connection based on shared qualities, feelings, or interests. People often feel affinities for others with similar tastes, beliefs, or personalities.
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⚡ See It in Action
Natural liking or connection between people or things
- •She has affinities with people who enjoy outdoor adventures.
- •The artist showed affinities for bright colors in her paintings.
- •He felt an affinity for the culture after living there for a year.
Similarity or relationship between ideas, qualities, or groups
- •There are clear affinities between the two languages.
- •The two companies have affinities in their business goals.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'affinities' like 'likes' or 'connections,' but stronger and more natural, like a special bond
- ✓Picture magnets pulling together because they fit well, naturally attracting each other
- ✓It's the feeling when you instantly get along with someone without much effort
- ✓Sounds like 'a-FIN-it-ees' → imagine a finish line where two runners meet and connect happily
- ✓Think of friends who love the same music or hobbies; their affinity makes them close
- ✓NOT like 'friendship' (which is a relationship built over time), affinities are the natural feelings that can start friendships
- ✓NOT like 'love' (which is very strong and personal), affinities can be lighter feelings of connection or similarity
- ✓NOT like 'interest' (which can be one-sided), affinities involve mutual or natural attraction
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Connection: a link or relationship (Use when talking about general relationships or links)
- •Bond: a strong connection (Use when the feeling is stronger or emotional)
- •Similarity: when things are alike (Use when focusing on shared qualities rather than feelings)
- •Attraction: a natural pull toward something (Use when emphasizing the natural draw or interest)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: 'affinity' from Latin 'affinitas' meaning 'relationship or connection'
- •Etymology: From Latin 'affinis' meaning 'related to' or 'neighboring'
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1600s to mean relationship by marriage or natural liking
- •Modern usage: Used for feelings of natural liking or similarity between people, ideas, or things
- •Interesting fact: In biology, affinity can describe how well molecules fit or attract each other
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can affinities develop into deeper relationships like friendships or partnerships? How?
•How do affinities help us choose friends, hobbies, or careers in life?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.People often feel affinities ___ others who share their interests and values.
2.The artist's affinities ___ bright colors and nature themes in her work.
3.Unlike friendship, affinities are natural feelings that ___ before you get to know someone well.
4.The two languages show affinities ___ their grammar and vocabulary.
5.When a person has affinities ___ a culture, they often enjoy learning its traditions.
6.Affinities can create a strong ___ that helps people work well together.
7.Companies with affinities ___ similar goals often form partnerships.