Reading Theme:
Affair Definition, Examples & Common Usage (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：Public matter (affair)
affair
/əˈfeər/
n.
Matters or business of public importance that need to be managed, often involving governments or organizations.
Public matter
➕
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈmætər/
n.
A subject, event, or set of activities that involve governments, organizations, or the public, requiring management or attention.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'à faire' (to do) → Latin 'ad' (to) + 'facere' (do).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'A fair' – an event where people do business, socialize, or gossip about private matters.
📖 Example
The summit focused on pressing international affairs, such as climate change and global trade.
The summit focused on pressing international affairs, such as climate change and global trade.
🔗 Collocations
foreign affairs – a government's dealings with other countries
current affairs – important political or social events happening now
public affairs – matters that concern the general population
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
privacy (n.) – personal matters not meant to be public
triviality (n.) – something of little importance
🌱 Derivatives
affairs (n. pl.) – multiple matters or transactions
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a French phrase 'à faire' meaning 'to do', borrowed into English in the 13th century as 'affaire'. It came to denote any business or matter that needs action, later expanding to social events and secret relationships.
Meaning 2：Social event (affair)
affair
/əˈfeər/
n.
A particular social event, gathering, or happening that is planned and organized.
Social event
➕
/ˈsoʊʃəl ɪˈvent/
n.
A planned social gathering, party, or ceremony, often elaborate or formal.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The annual summer garden party was a grand affair attended by hundreds of people.
The annual summer garden party was a grand affair attended by hundreds of people.
🔗 Collocations
grand affair – a large and impressive social event
formal affair – a social event with strict dress code and etiquette
outdoor affair – an event held in a garden or park
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
solitude (n.) – the state of being alone, away from social events
Meaning 3：Secret romantic relationship (affair)
affair
/əˈfeər/
n.
A romantic or sexual relationship between two people, especially a secret one when one or both are already committed to someone else.
Secret romantic relationship
➕
/ˈsiːkrət roʊˈmæntɪk rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
n.
A romantic or sexual relationship, especially one that is kept hidden because one or both partners are already committed to someone else.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Rumors about their secret affair spread quickly throughout the small town.
Rumors about their secret affair spread quickly throughout the small town.
🔗 Collocations
have an affair – to engage in a secret romantic relationship
love affair – a romantic relationship, often intense but not necessarily secret
extramarital affair – a romantic relationship outside marriage
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
faithfulness (n.) – loyalty in a romantic relationship
marriage (n.) – a legally recognized union, the opposite of a secret affair
🌱 Derivatives
affairette (n.) – a small or minor love affair
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