affinity for water

USAGE SUMMARY

'affinity for water' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a fondness or liking for water, or a special relationship with water. For example: After years of swimming, she developed an affinity for water.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We seem to have an affinity for water.

The New York Times - Travel

But the properties of hydrocolloids differ widely, depending on their molecular structure and affinity for water.

The New York Times - Science

This affinity for water is shown in several variations on a single theme, a meandering mountain stream seen from below.

The New York Times

Molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates have an affinity for water and are called hydrophilic ("water-loving").

Britannica

With the exception of mineral fibres, all natural fibres have an affinity for water in both liquid and vapour form.

Britannica

Materials with a special affinity for water — those it spreads across, maximizing contact — are known as hydrophilic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The polymer is hydrophilic (displays an affinity for water) and can form aqueous solutions of very high concentration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The water vapor is then exposed to an adsorbant a material with microscopic pores that have an affinity for water molecules.

MIT Technology Review

Already a major environmental problem, the small bivalves have an affinity for water intake pipes, which afford a constant source of flowing water with food for them.

The New York Times

The alkyl side chains (R groups) of these amino acids are nonpolar; this means that they have no affinity for water but some affinity for each other.

Britannica

Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe were award-winning architects with an affinity for water and landscape, but had never designed a park.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a substance's chemical behavior, use "affinity for water" to indicate its hydrophilic properties and interactions with water molecules. For instance, 'This polymer has a high "affinity for water", making it suitable for hydrogel applications.'

Common error

Avoid using "affinity for water" when you actually mean water resistance or hydrophobicity. "Affinity for water" implies attraction and absorption, while water resistance indicates repulsion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affinity for water" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the degree to which a substance or entity is attracted to or interacts with water.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "affinity for water" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the attraction or relationship between a substance or entity and water. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, found frequently in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it indicates an attraction to water, distinguishing it from water resistance. While related terms such as "affinity for moisture" or "relationship for water" exist, "affinity for water" specifically denotes a connection or inclination towards water, often in a scientific or descriptive manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affinity for moisture

Specifies an attraction to moisture in general, not exclusively to liquid water.

relationship for water

Expresses a connection or association with water, rather than a liking or attraction.

bond for water

Highlights a strong connection or tie to water, often suggesting a chemical or physical interaction.

tendency for water

Indicates a disposition or inclination towards water, suggesting a predictable behavior or characteristic.

fondness for water

Emphasizes a gentle liking or affection for water.

love for water

Conveys a strong emotional connection or fondness for water.

penchant for water

Suggests a habitual or strong liking for water.

alliance for water

Implies a union or partnership related to water, often in a more formal or strategic context.

association for water

Indicates a connection or link related to water, often used in organizational or group contexts.

origin for water

Indicates the cause or beginnings of water, but can also be viewed with the original word "Affinity" in different fields.

FAQs

How can I use "affinity for water" in a sentence?

You can use "affinity for water" to describe a substance's attraction to water, as in, "Due to its high "affinity for water", this material is often used in humidifiers."

What's a scientific term for "affinity for water"?

A scientific term for high "affinity for water" is hydrophilicity. Hydrophilic substances readily dissolve in or are attracted to water.

What does it mean if something has low "affinity for water"?

If something has low "affinity for water", it means it is hydrophobic, or water-repelling. An example of a hydrophobic material is oil.

Is "affinity for water" the same as solubility in water?

While related, "affinity for water" and solubility aren't exactly the same. "Affinity for water" describes the attraction, while solubility refers to the ability to dissolve. A substance can have a strong "affinity for water" without necessarily being highly soluble.