affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

AFFECTATION definition: an effort to appear to have a quality not really or fully possessed; the pretense of actual possession. See examples of affectation used in a sentence.

AFFECTATION definition: 1. behaviour or speech that is not sincere: 2. behavior or speech that is not sincere: 3. speech…. Learn more.

Definition of affectation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

An affectation is an artificial manner or behavior adopted to impress others or call attention to oneself: "Post-Renaissance scholars often adopted the affectation of recasting their names in classical form" …

If you say that someone's attitude or behavior is an affectation, you disapprove of the fact that it is not genuine or natural, but is intended to impress other people.

Affectation definition: A mannerism or habit that is assumed rather than natural, especially to impress others.

His British accent is an affectation. Never confuse affectation with affection — which means “love” or “tenderness.” While affection might not always be genuine, affectation is never the real thing. In fact, …

Jan 17, 2026 · affectation (countable and uncountable, plural affectations) An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show. [from 1548][1]

af•fec•ta•tion /ˌæfɛkˈteɪʃən/ n. [uncountable] the pretense of having a knowledge, standing, etc., that is not actually possessed; pose; airs: the affectation of great wealth. [countable] an artificial way of …