- 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/noun) To predict or indicate a future event; or a religious official in ancient Rome who interpreted omens.
The positive early reviews augur well for the film’s box office success.
Late Middle English: from Latin “augur,” a religious official who observed natural signs to predict the future, possibly from “avis” meaning “bird” + an element related to observing.