a-f-f-l-u-e-n-c-e
AFFLUENCE refers to the state of having an abundance of wealth, property, or material goods; prosperity and richness.
17
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
AFFLUENCE denotes a state of abundant wealth, prosperity, and material well-being. It implies not just having money, but enjoying a lifestyle characterized by plenty, comfort, and the ability to afford luxuries beyond basic necessities. Affluence encompasses both individual wealth and societal prosperity. It often refers to having substantial financial resources, valuable possessions, and access to opportunities that money can provide. The term suggests a flow of wealth (from its Latin roots) rather than static riches.Key aspects of affluence:
The word affluence comes from Latin affluentia, meaning "a flowing to" or "abundance." This derives from affluere - combining ad- (to, toward) + fluere (to flow), literally meaning "to flow toward." The metaphor of flowing water representing wealth is ancient - just as rivers flow abundantly, so does wealth "flow" to the affluent. The word entered Middle English through Old French in the 14th century. Originally, affluence could mean any kind of abundant flow, including crowds of people. The specific association with wealth and prosperity became dominant by the 18th century during the rise of mercantile capitalism.
•The term "affluent society" was popularized by economist John Kenneth Galbraith's 1958 book
•"Affluenza" - a portmanteau of affluence and influenza - describes the negative effects of wealth
•Studies show that beyond meeting basic needs, affluence has diminishing returns on happiness
•The word shares its "flowing" root with "influence," "confluence," and "fluid"
"The neighborhood's affluence was evident in its manicured lawns and luxury vehicles."
"Despite their affluence, the family lived modestly and donated generously to charity."
"The region's newfound affluence came from the technology boom of the 1990s."
Total base points: 17 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 5
Words with similar meaning
Wealth
Abundance of resources
Prosperity
Successful financial state
Opulence
Luxurious wealth
Abundance
Plentiful supply
Words with opposite meaning
Poverty
Lack of resources
Indigence
Extreme poverty
Destitution
Complete lack
Scarcity
Insufficient supply
Adjective Form
affluent
The affluent neighborhood had private security.
Adverb Form
affluently
They lived affluently in their mansion.
Related Terms
Wealth compared to others
Increasing prosperity
Wealthy community
If you can't play AFFLUENCE, consider these subwords:
Affluence is central to debates about income inequality, economic policy, and social justice. The concept raises questions about wealth distribution, the responsibilities of the affluent, and the relationship between prosperity and well-being in society.
Affluent lifestyles often have larger environmental footprints, leading to discussions about sustainable consumption. The term "affluenza" critiques overconsumption and materialism associated with wealth, highlighting environmental and psychological costs.
Definitions of affluence vary globally. What constitutes affluence in one country might be considered middle-class in another. The rise of affluence in developing nations has reshaped global economics and created new consumer markets.
Affluence vs. Influence
Affluence is wealth; influence is power/effect
Affluence vs. Effluence
Affluence is wealth; effluence is outflow/discharge
Affluent vs. Fluent
Affluent means wealthy; fluent means flowing/skilled
Other valuable words ending in -ENCE in Scrabble
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