noun
affair
uh-FAIR/əˈfer/
A romantic or sexual relationship outside a committed partnership.
The married character conceals an affair from his spouse.
Etymology
“To do” first gave the idea of ordinary business or a matter in hand. An “affair of the heart” specialized that broad meaning into a passionate romantic episode.
In context
Susan the 48 year old married mother who and gets involved in affair with Paul the 19 year old college student
More examples
- She discovered that her partner was having an affair.
- The novel follows the consequences of their affair.
- He admitted the affair and ended the deception.
Forms
affair · affairs
Similar words
- infidelity
- Unfaithfulness to a partner rather than the relationship itself.
- liaison
- A relationship, often secret, without necessarily specifying betrayal.