affectation

/ˌæf.ekˈteɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

1. noun

the action or habit of pretending to have qualities or feelings that you do not really have, especially to impress others

“Her affectation of British accent made it difficult for her to be taken seriously.”

2. noun

a mannerism or peculiarity that is considered affected or pretentious

“The writer criticized the poet’s affectation of using overly complex vocabulary.”

Synonyms

  • airs
  • haughtiness
  • pretension

Antonyms

  • genuine
  • sincerity