affluence
UK: ˈæf.lu.əns | US: ˈæf.lu.əns
n. the state of having a great deal of wealth or abundance
n. a flowing toward or influx (archaic/literary)
affluence = af<toward> + flu<flow> + ence<noun suffix>
- af<toward>: Variant of the Latin prefix ad- (meaning "to" or "toward"), assimilated to af- before f.
- flu<flow>: From Latin fluere (to flow), seen in words like fluid and influence.
- ence<noun suffix>: Denotes a state or quality (e.g., patience, resilience).
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin affluentia ("a flowing toward"), the word originally described literal flows (e.g., rivers). By the 16th century, it metaphorically shifted to signify an "abundance" of wealth, mirroring the idea of resources "flowing in" continuously. The root flu persists in modern terms like fluent (flowing speech) and flux (continuous change).
The neighborhood’s affluence was evident in its mansions and luxury cars.
Economic growth led to an affluence of new businesses in the area.
She donated generously, despite her own affluence.
The affluence of tourists during summer strains local resources.
His writings critique the moral costs of material affluence.