afford

To afford something means to have enough money to buy it, or to be able to do something without causing financial hardship. You might afford a new video game after saving your allowance for months, but you probably can't afford a trip around the world on that same allowance!

"Afford" isn't just about money, though. It can also mean to allow or provide something—like an opportunity or a benefit. A beautiful view from a mountain peak affords a sense of peace and tranquility. And in everyday phrases like “I can’t afford to miss this,” it often means you can’t spare the time or can’t risk the consequences. Think of it as having the means—whether financial or otherwise—to obtain, do, or experience something.

The word "afford" most commonly refers to having enough money to pay for something. For example: "We can't afford a new car this year," or "She finally could afford her dream vacation." It implies that the cost of something is within your financial reach, and purchasing it won't create undue hardship. In everyday speech, it’s very often used with "can," "could," or "be able to."

However, "afford" has a broader meaning beyond just money. It can also mean to provide or offer something—an opportunity, a benefit, a feature, or even a feeling. For example: "The new evidence affords little support for his claim" means the evidence offers only weak support. Or: "This quiet park affords a welcome escape from the city noise." You’ll also see it in more literal uses like "The window affords a view of the river."

Very often, "afford" appears in the pattern *afford to + verb, and it doesn’t have to be about money: "I can’t afford to take a day off," "We can’t afford to make a mistake," or "He couldn’t afford to* lose." In these cases, it means you can’t spare what it would cost (time, energy, reputation, etc.) or you can’t risk the outcome.

So whether you're talking about financial resources, opportunities, or the ability to manage challenges, "afford" is all about having the means—be it money, time, or capability—to obtain, experience, or achieve something.