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-
Synonyms of affluencenext
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.

Synonyms

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Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Enthusiasts embraced koi as symbols of affluence, refinement and tranquility, incorporating them into elaborate garden ponds. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The series focuses on the Dupree family and their lives of affluence, served with a side of messy scandals. — Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 So IndieWire asked Davis about faking affluence and building a real garden that acts as a character in its own right. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025 But far from bolstering Armenia at the expense of its neighbors, Khachaturyan insists that sharing that budding affluence will further enhance security. — Charlie Campbell / Yerevan, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for affluence

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

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Cite this Entry

“Affluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affluence. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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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

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