sense of affinity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of affinity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a feeling of strong liking or understanding between two people or groups of people. For example, "The two women felt a strong sense of affinity when they met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Kushner walked me through the cabins, noting the precisely assembled details with a sense of affinity.

The New Yorker

Mercury even had a Japanese garden at home, boosting a sense of affinity with the country.

The Washington Post

The sense of affinity with others internationally, while alas not emphasized by the show, was the most valuable piece of information it offered.

The New York Times - Arts

This sense of affinity does not tempt her into uncritical admiration of Eliot's heroine, Dorothea Brooke, although Mead's admiration for Eliot's novel is, if not uncritical, certainly unqualified.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe the writer was from the same town, had the same ethnic background, or, shared the same birthday — anything to create a sense of affinity.

The New York Times

A sense of affinity with future generations leads negotiators to view the long-term consequences of their actions as more immediate and personal.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

At the same time, Tom feels a peculiar sense of affinity with Danny.

The New York Times - Books

A sense of personal affinity with the subject, and language which is poetic without being highfalutin', suffuses the book.

The Guardian - Books

Distance norms in the sense of the affinity of shapes are introduced.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

That sense of embattled affinity lives on.There are the Samaritans who fed and watered the tramp who slept on the deck; there is the clan of Portuguese.

The Economist

They recognized their own autism, and they had recognized each other's, at college, with a sense of such affinity and delight that it was inevitable they would marry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of affinity" when you want to convey a natural liking or connection between individuals or groups based on shared characteristics, experiences, or values. It's especially useful when describing intangible bonds.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of affinity" when you simply mean 'liking'. "Affinity" implies a deeper connection based on shared qualities or experiences, not just superficial attraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of affinity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of feeling connected or akin to something or someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of affinity" is a noun phrase that describes a feeling of connection or liking based on shared qualities or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. While interchangeable with alternatives like "feeling of connection", "shared understanding", or "rapport", it implies a deeper, more meaningful bond than simple liking. Use it to convey genuine connections formed through shared attributes rather than superficial attraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of connection

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of relating to someone or something.

shared understanding

Emphasizes a mutual comprehension or agreement.

rapport

Highlights a harmonious and sympathetic relationship.

bond of sympathy

Implies a deeper emotional connection and shared feelings.

feeling of kinship

Suggests a familial-like connection or shared origin.

mutual attraction

Highlights the reciprocal liking or interest between parties.

sympathetic resonance

Emphasizes a shared emotional or intellectual experience.

emotional resonance

Focuses purely on the emotional connection.

shared sensibility

Focuses on common tastes and moral sense.

common ground

Emphasizes shared interests or beliefs providing a basis for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of affinity" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of affinity" to describe a feeling of connection or kinship. For example, "The travelers developed a strong "sense of affinity" with the local culture".

What's a good alternative to "sense of affinity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "feeling of connection", "shared understanding", or "rapport".

Is "sense of affinity" formal or informal?

"Sense of affinity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal due to its descriptive nature.

What creates a "sense of affinity"?

A "sense of affinity" can arise from shared experiences, common interests, similar backgrounds, or a mutual understanding.