affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s How to pronounce affluence (audio)
also
a-ˈflü- How to pronounce affluence (audio)
 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

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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.

Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system
Recent Examples on the Web Some of the greatest crime hot spots are in places on the periphery between areas of affluence and areas of deprivation. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 Revisionist actors are challenging the global rules that underpin the relative affluence, security and stability of our post-1945 world. Hal Brands, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024 Those are the major takeaways from the Arton Capital affluence and elections survey of over 1,000 U.S. millionaires. Byalicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024 Global Travel Statistics Travel media has ample room for growth by incorporating the latest innovations to achieve responsible storytelling as global affluence inspires more people to travel. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affluence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'affluence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of affluence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near affluence

Cite this Entry

“Affluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affluence. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

affluence

noun
af·​flu·​ence ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s How to pronounce affluence (audio)
also
a-ˈflü- How to pronounce affluence (audio)
ə-ˈflü-
: the state of having much wealth or property

More from Merriam-Webster on affluence

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