affair
affair
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "affair" is:
/əˈfeər/
Here's the breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
a- /ə/ - schwa
fair /feər/ - /f/ (voiceless labiodental fricative), /e/ (close-mid front unrounded vowel), /ər/ (rhotic vowel)
Word Form Variations
The word "affair" doesn't have any plural forms. It's already a singular noun.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Affair (Noun)
Definition: A relationship between two people that is romantic or sexual, often outside of a committed relationship.
Synonyms: liaisons, trysts, hookups
Antonyms: marriages, partnerships, commitments
Definition: A matter or concern, often of a personal or private nature.
Synonyms: business, matter, issue
Antonyms: irrelevance, insignificance
Definition: A public event or celebration.
Synonyms: event, function, gathering
Antonyms: solitude, isolation
Affair (Verb)
Definition: To conduct or manage a business or affair.
Synonyms: handle, manage, conduct
Antonyms: neglect, ignore
Affair (Adjective)
Definition: Relating to or connected with love or romance.
Synonyms: romantic, amorous, passionate
Antonyms: platonic, asexual, indifferent
Definition: Relating to or connected with a public event or celebration.
Synonyms: festive, celebratory, ceremonial
Antonyms: ordinary, mundane, routine
Examples of Use
Books
In a historical novel: "Queen Elizabeth I's love affair with Sir Walter Raleigh was a scandal that rocked the English court." (Historical fiction novel)
In a contemporary romance novel: "Their affair was a whirlwind romance that left them both breathless." (Contemporary romance novel)
Newspapers
In a news article: "The politician's extramarital affair with a lobbyist has sparked a political scandal." (News article)
In a business article: "The company's financial affairs are under investigation by federal authorities." (Business article)
Online Publications
In a blog post: "I'm having an affair with my new hobby of baking." (Blog post)
In a social media post: "Had a great time at the office holiday affair last night." (Social media post)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
In a movie: "The film is a dramatic exploration of a love affair between two married people." (Movie review)
In a song: "The song is about a secret affair between two lovers." (Song analysis)
In a TV show: "The character's affair with a younger colleague leads to a crisis in his marriage." (TV show recap)
General Public Discourse
In everyday conversation: "Did you hear about the affair between the two celebrities?" (Casual conversation)
In a formal speech: "The affairs of state are complex and require careful consideration." (Formal speech)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Affair
"An affair of the heart cannot be measured by logic or reason." — Anonymous
"Every love affair has a secret language of its own." — Anonymous
"A love affair is like a flower: it must be tended or it will wither and fade." — Anonymous
"The heart is a lonely hunter, always seeking the next affair of the soul." — Anonymous
"To have an affair with life itself is to be truly alive." — Anonymous
"A secret affair is a dangerous game that always ends in heartbreak." — Anonymous
"Life is an affair of mystery; shared with those who love the same secrets." — Anonymous
"The greatest affair is not of the heart, but of the mind’s quest for truth." — Anonymous
"We may forgive an affair of the flesh, but rarely one of the soul." — Anonymous
"An affair of words can sometimes be more lasting than an affair of passion." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "affair" comes from the French word "affaire," which means "business" or "matter." It's related to the Latin word "affare," which means "to speak to" or "to address."
Over time, the meaning of "affair" shifted to include personal or private matters, and eventually, it came to mean a romantic or sexual relationship outside of a committed relationship.
The first known use of "affair" in English was in the 14th century, and it was used to mean a business or matter.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Affair
Common Phrases
"A love affair": A romantic or sexual relationship outside of a committed relationship.
"An affair of the heart": A romantic or emotional involvement.
"A family affair": An event involving several family members.
"A personal affair": A private matter.
"A public affair": A matter of public interest.
Idioms with Synonyms
While there are no direct idioms using "affair," here are some idioms with similar meanings:
"To have a fling": To have a brief, casual romantic relationship.
"To have a one-night stand": To have a single night of sexual activity with someone.
"To be entangled": To be involved in a complicated or difficult situation, often a romantic one.
"To be caught in the crossfire": To be caught in the middle of a conflict or disagreement.
"To be in over one's head": To be involved in something that is too difficult or challenging for one to handle.
Posts Related to Affair
Source Information
Definition of affair from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
