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tr.v. af·ford·ed, af·ford·ing, af·fords 1. To have the financial means for; bear the cost of: able to afford a new car. 2. To manage to spare or give up: can't afford an hour for lunch. 3. To manage or bear without disadvantage or risk to oneself: can afford to be tolerant. 4. To make available or have as a necessary feature; provide: a tree that affords ample shade; a sport affording good exercise. [Middle English aforthen, from Old English geforthian, to carry out : ge-, perfective pref.; see YCLEPT + forthian, to further (from forth, forth, forward; see per1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] af·ford′a·bili·ty (ə-fôr′də-bĭlĭ-tē) n. af·forda·ble adj. af·forda·bly adv. |
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