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

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

At that point, all of the affluence, urbanity and privilege in the world wasn’t much good. —Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

The family's affluence allowed Luigi to attend Baltimore's Gilman School, a private K-12 school with tuition costing around $40,000 per year. —Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, India will continue to grow as a key emerging market, spurred by rising affluence and a growing appetite for luxury goods. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 6 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