- Today's Word
Affinity
[uh-FIN-i-tee]
Definition
- (noun) A natural attraction, liking, or feeling of connection to something or someone. It can also mean a natural ability or talent for something, or a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship.
Example
Sarah has a strong affinity for classical music; she can listen to Mozart for hours and naturally understands the complex compositions.
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.
(verb) To coax or persuade someone into doing something through flattery, soft words, or gentle persistent manipulation.
She had wheedled the extension out of her professor so smoothly that he’d agreed before he realized he’d been asked — which was precisely the point.