B2noun 2K

Affair

🇬🇧 UK /["/əˈfeə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əˈfer/"]/

Meaning of Affair

events that are of public interest or political importance

In simple words: A secret relationship, usually romantic, that someone has while they are married.

Affair in a sentence

• The politician was involved in a scandal involving an extra-marital affair.
• She decided to end the affair and focus on her marriage.
• Their affair has become a subject of public gossip and media scrutiny.
• The charity event was a grand affair, attracting celebrities and philanthropists.
• Organizing a wedding is not just an affair; it requires a lot of planning.
• He treated the entire situation as if it were a lighthearted affair.
• The affair between the two artists was evident in their artwork.
• Their relationship began as a simple affair, but later became serious.

How to use Affair

Typically used in contexts about relationships. It's more formal than 'hookup' and less formal than 'romantic relationship.' Not appropriate for light conversation.

Grammar pattern

have + affair

Memory hint

Think 'affair' sounds like 'a fair’ where things aren’t always as they seem.

Related words

Collocations with Affair

• current
• public
• human
• administer
• arrange
• attend to
• affairs of state
• a state of affairs
• whole
• glittering
• grand
• deal with
• handle
• be involved in
• somebody’s involvement in the affair
• wash your hands of the affair
• brief
• casual
• clandestine
• carry on
• conduct
• have
• go on
• affair between
• affair with
• current
• public
• human
• administer
• arrange
• attend to
• affairs of state
• a state of affairs
• family
• somebody’s own
• personal
• interfere in
• meddle in
• somebody’s affair
• no affair of somebody’s

Synonyms for Affair

• business

Opposites of Affair

• fidelity
• loyalty

Common mistakes with Affair

• Confusing 'affair' with 'event' as in 'the fair was fun.'
• Using it to mean a casual relationship rather than a secretive one.
• Saying 'have an affair with' instead of 'have an affair' for conciseness.

Frequently asked questions about Affair

What does Affair mean?

A secret relationship, usually romantic, that someone has while they are married.

What is the definition of Affair?

events that are of public interest or political importance

How do you use Affair in a sentence?

The politician was involved in a scandal involving an extra-marital affair.

Can you give another example of Affair?

She decided to end the affair and focus on her marriage.

What are synonyms for Affair?

Common alternatives include business.

What is the opposite of Affair?

Opposite meanings include fidelity, loyalty.

What words go with Affair?

It commonly pairs with current, public, human, administer, arrange, attend to, affairs of state, a state of affairs, whole, glittering, grand, deal with, handle, be involved in, somebody’s involvement in the affair, wash your hands of the affair, brief, casual, clandestine, carry on, conduct, have, go on, affair between, affair with, current, public, human, administer, arrange, attend to, affairs of state, a state of affairs, family, somebody’s own, personal, interfere in, meddle in, somebody’s affair, no affair of somebody’s.

What are common mistakes when using Affair?

Confusing 'affair' with 'event' as in 'the fair was fun.' Using it to mean a casual relationship rather than a secretive one. Saying 'have an affair with' instead of 'have an affair' for conciseness.

How do you pronounce Affair?

US: /["/əˈfer/"]/, UK: /["/əˈfeə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Affair?

Typically used in contexts about relationships. It's more formal than 'hookup' and less formal than 'romantic relationship.' Not appropriate for light conversation.

What CEFR level is Affair?

"Affair" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.