affectation

Definition

An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.

Etymology

From Middle French affectation and its etymon Latin affectātiōnem, from affectō (“I feign”). By surface analysis, affect + -ation.

Example Sentences

• "This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love ..."
• "[T]hey were not the spoiled children of affectation and refinement, but a bold, vigorous, independent race of thinkers, with prodigious strength and energy, with none but natural grace, and heartfelt unobtrusive delicacy."
• "The grace diuineſt Mercvrie hath done me, / In this vouchſafde diſcouerie of himſelfe, / Binds my obſeruance in the vtmoſt terme / Of ſatisfaction, to his godly will: / Though I profeſſe (without the affectation / Of an enforc’d, and form’d auſteritie) / I could be willing to enioy no place / With ſo vnequall natures."

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