affinity

A natural liking for someone or something, or a feeling that you understand them.

• She has an affinity for music.
• I felt an immediate affinity with him.
• The two friends share a strong affinity for nature.

How to use it: affinity for someone/something (She has an affinity for animals.); affinity with someone/something (He felt an affinity with the other students.)

Similar words: liking, connection, sympathy

Opposites: aversion

Common phrases: affinity for something, natural affinity, strong affinity

A connection or similarity between things.

• The two languages show a close affinity.
• There is an affinity between their ideas.
• The paintings have little affinity with his earlier work.

How to use it: affinity between A and B (There is a clear affinity between the two styles.); affinity with something (This language has a close affinity with its neighbors.)

Similar words: similarity, relationship, connection

Common phrases: affinity between things, close affinity, cultural affinity

A family connection created through marriage rather than through shared parents or ancestors.

• Their relationship is one of affinity.
• The law distinguishes affinity from blood relationships.
• Marriage creates affinity between certain relatives.

Similar words: relationship by marriage

Common phrases: relationship by affinity, degree of affinity

A person who is related to you through marriage.

• His affinity joined the family gathering.
• The will named an affinity as a beneficiary.
• She welcomed her affinities into the household.

Similar words: in-law

Common phrases: an affinity, his affinity