affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

 or  ə-

1

a

: abundance of property : wealth

rose from poverty to affluence

b

: an abundant flow or supply : profusion

… to attain that breadth and height, that wealth of muscle, that affluence of flesh.

—Charlotte Brontë

2

: a flowing to or toward a point : influx

Did you know?

What is the origin of affluence?

Affluence comes from the Latin verb affluere, "to flow abundantly". Thus, someone or something blessed with affluence has received an incoming flood of riches. Since the affluent residents of suburbs often work in the central city but pay taxes back home, the wealth of some metropolitan areas tends to flow in one direction—out.

Synonyms

• flux
• income
• inflow
• influx
• inpouring
• inrush

Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system

Recent Examples on the Web

Being here can give an impression of political stability and affluence, but many say beneath that veneer lies widespread surveillance, repression and unequal development. —Guerchom Ndebo, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Every season, Mike really does force conversations around class and affluence and the haves and the have nots. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025

In the grandiose world of splendor and affluence, possibilities are endless. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025

At the extremes, the wealthy may go to great lengths to display their affluence. —Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "abundance, profusion," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin affluentia, noun derivative of affluent-, affluens affluent entry 1 — more at -ence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

ə-ˈflü-

: the state of having much wealth or property