affluent

What does “affluent” mean?

adjective.having a great deal of money; wealthy.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in passages discussing socioeconomic status, wealth distribution, or social issues. It emphasizes not just the possession of wealth, but also the lifestyle and privileges that accompany it, distinguishing it from similar terms like "rich," which may not convey the same level of social influence or access to resources.

Common Confusions

Affluent implies a lifestyle marked by social influence and privileges associated with wealth, while rich usually suggests merely having a large amount of money without the connotations of status or access to resources.

Example Sentences

• They were affluent, but aspired to true wealth.

• The affluent neighborhood was known for its large houses and expensive cars.

Word Parts: How to Remember “affluent”

Break “affluent” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ad- to, toward (Latin)