affair

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a vaguely specified social event

   the party was quite an affair

2. 2
   noun

   Something which is done or is to be done; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public.

   a difficult affair to manage

3. 3
   noun

   Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely.

   an affair of honor

4. 4
   noun

   A material object (vaguely designated).

   He used a hook-shaped affair with a long handle to unlock the car.

5. 5
   noun

   An adulterous relationship, chiefly of a married person. (from affaire de cœur, affair of the heart).

   When Martin's wife found out about his affair with her best friend, she asked for a divorce.

6. 6
   noun

   An otherwise illicit romantic relationship, such as with someone who is not one's regular partner (boyfriend, girlfriend).

   Jerry's girlfriend said she wanted to go steady, but she was in an affair with one of his team-mates.

7. 7
   noun

   A person with whom someone has an adulterous relationship.

   I was his affair and he was a little boy toy to me... Together it was our little scandal.

8. 8
   noun

   A party or social gathering, especially of a formal nature.

   She also guessed that Lady Gladstone had not told them the affair had been planned some time ago. “We are looking forward to visiting you on Friday, Lady Gladstone,” said Harriet. “Geoffrey thought I might have forgotten because you sent us your invitation such ages ago, but I said, 'My dear brother, how could I possibly forget an invitation from Lady Gladstone?'“ “How very odd,” commented the comte lazily. “Lady Gladstone was just telling us it was an impromptu affair.”

Etymology

From Middle English afere, affere, from Old French afaire, from a- + faire (“to do”), from Latin ad- + facere (“to do”). See fact, and compare ado.