affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

 or  ə-

1

a

: abundance of property : wealth

rose from poverty to affluence

b

: an abundant flow or supply : profusion

… to attain that breadth and height, that wealth of muscle, that affluence of flesh.

—Charlotte Brontë

2

: a flowing to or toward a point : influx

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• flux
• income
• inflow
• influx
• inpouring
• inrush

Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system

Recent Examples on the Web

The audience for the business network is small in number but outsized in affluence and influence. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 May 2025

But aesthetically and tonally, whiffs of affluence are in reach for those who want a taste. —Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025

Turner came from modest circumstances, but saw fame early; Constable grew up in affluence, with recognition arriving more slowly. —Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Oakland’s District 2 spans diverse communities that vary in affluence and ethnic makeup, from Chinatown and Jack London Square to areas east and south of Lake Merritt, such as Cleveland Heights, Lakeshore, the Peralta area and the San Antonio neighborhood. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "abundance, profusion," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin affluentia, noun derivative of affluent-, affluens affluent entry 1 — more at -ence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s 

also

a-ˈflü- 

ə-ˈflü-

: the state of having much wealth or property