Fun Fact

“Affinity” comes from the Latin word “affinitas,” meaning “connection by marriage” or “relationship by marriage.” In medieval times, it was primarily used to describe family relationships through marriage rather than blood. The word evolved from describing family connections to include chemical relationships (as in “chemical affinity” – the force that holds atoms together), and finally to its modern usage describing any natural attraction or liking. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church recognized different degrees of affinity as impediments to marriage, just as they did with consanguinity (blood relationships). Today, the word has largely shed its matrimonial origins but retains the core meaning of a natural connection or attraction.