ENGLISH
REFERENCE

affluence

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈæfɫuəns// UK //ˈæfluːəns// af·flu·ence Archaic

n. the state of having a lot of money and many expensive things. It describes a life of comfort and luxury.

n. the state of being wealthy or prosperous; the possession of significant financial resources and material comforts.


SIMPLE

The city is known for its wealth and affluence.

CONTEXTUAL

The rapid economic growth of the region brought a new level of affluence to its residents.

COMPLEX

While the country's overall affluence has increased, the distribution of that wealth remains highly uneven, leading to significant social disparities.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French affluence, from Latin affluentia. Only relation to antonym indigence is common Latinate suffix; affluence only acquired sense of wealth in 16th century English and French, while indigentia meant “poverty” or “lack” in Latin.

© 2026 English Reference