affair

Everyday

1. An event or happening: the party was a noisy affair. tree →
2. affairs: things you deal with, business or matters, like money affairs or world affairs. tree →
3. A matter that concerns someone: «That's my affair» means it is my business, not yours. tree →
4. A secret romantic relationship between two people when one or both are married to someone else. tree →

In the lessons

In news and social studies: «current affairs», «foreign affairs», «Minister for Foreign Affairs». In stories and everyday talk: «a family affair», «a quiet affair». The romantic sense comes up in grown-up stories and news. Phrases: «current affairs», «state of affairs», «put your affairs in order».

Examples

• The wedding was a small family affair. tree →
• We watch current affairs on Friday mornings. tree →
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs met other leaders. tree →
• What I do at lunch is my own affair. tree →
• The whole affair was over in ten minutes. tree →
• That's a sorry state of affairs! tree →
• Grandpa sorted out his money affairs. tree →
• In the story, a royal affair caused a scandal. tree →
• The whole affair is indeed mysterious. tree →

Note

Countable; plural «affairs» often means business or matters. Do not confuse with «affect» or «a fair» (a fun fair).