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affectation   —   affection

Affectation” is a person’s ‘pretended manner, artificial show, false display shown to impress others’’,

e.g.

She’s forgotten how to be natural.  Her affectation is obvious in her every movement.

Affection” is ‘a feeling of fondness (very much liking), gentle delicate love’,

e.g.

She feels great affection for her son.

These nouns were once used interchangeably.  So, a reader may sometimes find ‘affection in place of affectation’ in old, unabridged books. In the best present usage, however, they are not interchangeable.

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About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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