Cool MateAffair
UK /["/əˈfeə(r)/"]/US /["/əˈfer/"]/
Definition
events that are of public interest or political importance
In simple words: A secret relationship, usually romantic, that someone has while they are married.
Examples
- 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.
Usage notes
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.
Collocations
- 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
- business
Antonyms
- fidelity
- loyalty
Common mistakes
- 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.