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

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

Markets ripe for store openings due to their size, growing affluence, and relative under representation of luxury brands include Mumbai, Delhi, Jakarta, Bangkok and Dubai, according to Savills. —David Moin, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

For a glimpse of the past, an old-style tram (opens 2 p.m.) displays nostalgic artifacts from the post-war subsidy period, a time when hunger, not affluence, shaped daily life. —Chris Humphrey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Despite the area’s affluence, the district has faced ongoing budgetary struggles, including contentious negotiations over teacher pay raises. —Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 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