affluent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "affluent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is wealthy or has an abundance of money, and sometimes to describe a region that has a large amount of wealth. An example sentence might be: "The affluent citizens of the city enjoyed luxurious lifestyles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And third, the government is introducing a range of support for students from less affluent families for which she may well be eligible.

The Guardian

The only South Yorkshire seat that is not a Labour stronghold, Sheffield Hallam is often described as the most affluent constituency outside the south-east.

The Guardian

We now have to find £110m in savings next year - £60m more than expected - because of front-loading and the re-distribution of money from Manchester to more affluent areas.

The Guardian

It is only because the pay and conditions of leading professional footballers were so recently those of moderately skilled factory helots that Best and his contemporaries look so excessively and immodestly affluent".

The Guardian

"The re-drawing of the regional boundaries took many of the city's most affluent suburbs into neighbouring local authorities, such as East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire," he said, "and this began to distort the picture".

The Guardian

The most affluent family in Britain, headed by Major General Gerald Grosvenor, owns 77 hectares (190 acres) of prime real estate in Belgravia, London, and has been a beneficiary of the foreign money flooding in to the capital's soaring property market in recent years.

The Guardian - Business

I remember catching the vaporetto down Venice's Grand Canal, gazing up at the obviously more affluent tourists sipping prosecco in glasses (not plastic cups) on palazzo terraces (not windowsills), and I think I actually sighed.

The Guardian - Travel

"Analysis of the data concludes that the necessity of deficit reduction on the scale undertaken by the coalition is debatable; yet it is certainly the case the austerity agenda could have taken an alternative form – such as additional tax rises targeted on more affluent sections of society – in order to mitigate its impact on the most deprived groups.

The Guardian

There's also a concentration of "allergic" children in affluent districts, while children in underprivileged areas remain remarkably non-afflicted, or at least non-diagnosed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This place is rich, or, in the word of those having a drink that evening in the Beehive pub, it is affluent.

The Guardian

What started off as an unorganised party of Russian surfer dudes has now turned into one of the most important events in the calendars of the new, burgeoning, affluent, young middle classes of Russia and Ukraine.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "affluent" to describe a group or area known for its wealth rather than an individual's temporary financial status. For example, "affluent neighborhoods" or "affluent families".

Common error

Avoid using "affluent" in very casual settings; simpler synonyms like "rich" or "wealthy" may be more appropriate. "Affluent" carries a slightly more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "affluent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of wealth or abundance. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing areas, families, and lifestyles characterized by financial prosperity, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "affluent" is a commonly used adjective to describe wealth and prosperity. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically sound and finds that it's most often employed in News & Media. When writing, consider that while "affluent" is generally acceptable, it may sound overly formal in casual contexts, where alternatives such as "wealthy" or "rich" might be more suitable. Remember to use "affluent" to describe a general state of wealth rather than temporary financial gain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wealthy

A more direct synonym, simply meaning having a great deal of money.

rich

Another common synonym, implying a high level of material possessions and income.

well-off

Indicates a comfortable financial situation, perhaps less extreme than "rich".

prosperous

Suggests success and flourishing, often in a broader sense than just financial.

well-to-do

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "wealthy".

opulent

Implies luxuriousness and extravagance, focusing on display of wealth.

moneyed

Emphasizes the possession of money as a defining characteristic.

of means

A polite way of saying someone has sufficient financial resources.

in the money

An informal way to describe someone currently experiencing financial success.

comfortably situated

Suggests a secure and pleasant financial position, focusing on stability.

FAQs

How can I use "affluent" in a sentence?

You can use "affluent" to describe people, areas, or lifestyles characterized by wealth. For example, "The most "affluent family" in Britain owns prime real estate in London."

What are some synonyms for "affluent"?

Synonyms for "affluent" include "wealthy", "rich", "well-off", and "prosperous". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "affluent"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Affluent" is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone who is wealthy. For example, "Pamela comes from an "affluent family"."

What is the difference between "affluent" and "rich"?

"Affluent" often suggests a comfortable and sustainable level of wealth, while "rich" can imply a sudden or excessive accumulation of wealth. "Affluent" is generally seen as a slightly more formal term than "rich".