Affinity for Meaning in English

expression

US

əˈfɪnəti/, /əˈfɪnɪti/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

uh-FIN-uh-tee for

UK

ɐfˈɪnɪti/ /fˈɔː

uh-FIN-uh-tee faw

Definition

A natural liking, attraction, or special connection to something or someone.

Usage & Nuances

'Affinity for' is formal and often used in writing. Common with interests, subjects, or people (e.g., 'affinity for music'). Not interchangeable with 'talent for' or 'preference for'—it emphasizes a natural or instinctive connection.

• Spanish: afinidad por - atracción por
• Portuguese (BR): afinidade por - atração por
• Portuguese (PT): afinidade por - atração por
• Chinese (Simplified): 对...的喜爱 - 对...的亲近感
• Chinese (Traditional): 對...的喜愛 - 對...的親近感
• Hindi: के प्रति लगाव - के लिए रुचि
• Arabic: ميل إلى - انجذاب لِـ
• Bengali: ঝোঁক - আকর্ষণ - স্বাভাবিক টান
• Russian: склонность к - тяга к - влечение к
• Japanese: 親和性 - 親しみ - 親近感
• Vietnamese: sự yêu thích đặc biệt - sự gắn bó
• Korean: 친밀감 - 애착 - 친화성
• Turkish: yakınlık
• Urdu: رغبت - میلان - قدرت کشش
• Indonesian: ketertarikan khusus - afinitas (hubungan alami)

Example Sentences

She has an affinity for animals.

basic

My brother shows an affinity for math.

basic

Do you have an affinity for spicy food?

basic

I've always felt an affinity for quiet places like libraries.

natural

He has an affinity for learning new languages—it comes easily to him.

natural

That artist clearly has an affinity for bright colors in her work.

natural