afford

Everyday

1. To have enough money to pay for something (We can't afford a new car). tree →
2. To have enough time, space or energy for something (I can't afford to miss the bus). tree →
3. To be able to do something without bad results (We can't afford to make mistakes). tree →
4. (formal) To give or provide (The hill affords a fine view). tree →

In the lessons

In maths and money lessons: «Can she afford it?» means compare what you have with the price — if money ≥ price, yes. Budgeting and saving teach that you can't afford everything you want. In everyday life families talk about what they can afford. Phrases: can afford, can't afford, afford to do, affordable (cheap enough).

Examples

• I can afford the book because I saved $15 and it costs $12. tree →
• We can't afford a holiday this year. tree →
• Can you afford to buy lunch for both of us? tree →
• I can't afford to be late again. tree →
• Save your pocket money so you can afford the toy. tree →
• These shoes are affordable — they're on sale. tree →
• Sam has $8; can he afford a ticket that costs $10? No, he needs $2 more. tree →
• How can you afford to bring up the boy? tree →

Note

Usually used with «can/can't, could, be able to». Maths: if the money you have is equal to or more than the price, you can afford it; the difference (price − money) is how much more you need. Adjective: affordable.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Psalms teaches that horses and armies cannot save a person; tradition reads this as trust in God, not in military power. In the primary lessons: In maths and money lessons: «Can she afford it?» means compare what you have with the price — if money ≥ price, yes. Budgeting and saving teach that you can't afford everything you want. In everyday life families talk about what they can afford. Phrases: can afford, can't afford, afford to do, affordable (cheap enough).

Examples

• A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither doth it afford escape by its great strength. (Writings PSA.33.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Whose garners are full, affording all manner of store; whose sheep increase by thousands and ten thousands in our fields; (Writings PSA.144.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually used with «can/can't, could, be able to». Maths: if the money you have is equal to or more than the price, you can afford it; the difference (price − money) is how much more you need. Adjective: affordable.