verb
afford
uh-FAWD
verb
1
To have enough money, time, or resources for something.
"They finally saved enough to afford a house deposit."
"I can’t afford to take another day off work this month."
2
To be able to do something without unacceptable risk or consequence.
"We can’t afford to make another mistake this close to the deadline."
How to Use Afford
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo have the money, time, or safety margin needed to do something.
Common pairings
afford to buy
can’t afford
afford the time
Word Forms
afforded past tense, affords singular
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They finally saved enough to _____ a house deposit.
Etymology
From Old English geforthian, "to further or accomplish" — ultimately related to the word "forth."