afford

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To have enough money to pay for something.

   We can't afford to send our children to private school.

2. 2
   verb

   To be able to do something without causing yourself harm or trouble.

   I can't afford to waste two hours waiting for him.

3. 3
   verb

   To provide or give something.

   The hilltop affords a wonderful view of the valley.

From Middle English afforthen, aforthen, avorthien, from earlier iforthen, iforthien, ȝeforthien, from Old English forþian, ġeforþian (“to further, accomplish, afford”), from Proto-Germanic *furþōną, from Proto-Germanic *furþą (“forth, forward”), equivalent to a- + forth. Cognate with Old Norse forða (“to forward oneself, save oneself, escape danger”), Icelandic forða (“to save, rescue”).

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