affinity
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “affinity” mean?
noun.a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts related to relationships, emotions, or shared interests, emphasizing a deep, intrinsic connection rather than mere preference. It suggests a natural bond or attraction, distinguishing it from words like "liking" or "preference," which may not convey the same depth of feeling or instinctive nature.
Common Confusions
Affinity implies a natural attraction or connection to someone or something, while aversion usually suggests a strong dislike or repulsion toward a person or object.
Example Sentences
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She felt a natural affinity for music from an early age.
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She felt an immediate affinity for the new student who shared her interests.
Word Parts: How to Remember “affinity”
Break “affinity” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ad-to, toward (Latin)