Affordables

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Items or services that are reasonably priced or within one’s financial means to buy or obtain; qualities or conditions that permit the ability to pay for something without hardship
  2. Goods, products, or options that can be purchased or accessed at a cost that is manageable or economical for individuals or groups; characteristics that allow financial feasibility
  3. Things offered at a price that does not exceed a person’s budget or resources, allowing acquisition without undue strain; aspects that make purchase viable or practical for consumers

Etymology: The noun in question derives from the adjective "affordable," which entered English in the mid-20th century as a way to describe goods or services reasonably priced enough for most people to buy. The adjective itself stems from the verb "afford," meaning to be able to bear the cost or have enough resources for something. This verb traces back to Old English "geforthian," composed of "ge-" (an intensifying prefix) and "forthian" (to further or promote), evolving through Middle English as "afforden." The transformation from the verb to the adjective "affordable" involved the addition of the suffix "-able," which generally denotes capability or suitability. Thus, "affordable" literally means "able to be afforded," capturing the idea of something within financial reach. Turning this adjective into a noun by adding the plural "-s" creates a form used primarily in informal or commercial contexts to collectively refer to items or options that are reasonably priced. For example, "affordables" might be used in marketing or everyday speech to denote a category of budget-friendly products without naming them individually. This nominalization is a relatively recent development and reflects a broader trend in English where adjectives describing qualities become nouns to represent groups or concepts defined by those qualities. It simplifies communication about market segments or consumer choices, especially in contexts like housing, clothing, or electronics, where affordability is a key concern.

Synonyms: inexpensives, economicals, budget-friendly items

Antonyms: luxuries, expensives, costlies