Definition of "afford" in English

verb

1. To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious; (usually after an expression of ability, as could, able, difficult) to be able or rich enough; to spare.

   • I think we can afford the extra hour it will take.  We can only afford to buy a small car at the moment.

2. (obsolete) To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting or expending, with profit, or without too great a loss.

   • Alfred affords his goods cheaper than Bantock.

3. (rare) To give forth; to supply, yield, or produce as the natural result, fruit, or issue.

   • Grapes afford wine.  Olives afford oil.  The earth affords fruit.  The sea affords an abundant supply of fish.

4. To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish.

   • A good life affords consolation in old age.