affluence
noun
af·flu·ence
ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s 
also
a-ˈflü-
or ə-
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What is the origin of affluence?
Affluence comes from the Latin verb affluere, "to flow abundantly". Thus, someone or something blessed with affluence has received an incoming flood of riches. Since the affluent residents of suburbs often work in the central city but pay taxes back home, the wealth of some metropolitan areas tends to flow in one direction—out.
Examples of affluence in a Sentence
this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system
Recent Examples on the Web
Since the 17th century, champagne has been associated with royalty, affluence, and prestige.
—
Bianca London, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
In terms of quality of life — affluence, food quality and production, life expectancies, standard of living almost everywhere — the news is astoundingly good.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
In the 1990s, during a period of American affluence following the Cold War, journalism both responded to and contributed to the mediatization of public life.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
There was plenty and affluence over his fence.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affluence
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Bianca London, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
In terms of quality of life — affluence, food quality and production, life expectancies, standard of living almost everywhere — the news is astoundingly good.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
In the 1990s, during a period of American affluence following the Cold War, journalism both responded to and contributed to the mediatization of public life.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
There was plenty and affluence over his fence.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for affluence
Cite this Entry
“Affluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affluence. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
affluence
noun
af·flu·ence
ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s
also
a-ˈflü-
ə-ˈflü-
: the state of having much wealth or property
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