affectation
an artificial display meant to impress
Roots
- ad- / a-: to, toward, added onto, or intensified
- fac / fic / fact: do or make
Other words with the fac / fic / fact root
- artificial: made by humans; not natural
- benefactor: person who gives help, money, or support
- beneficent: doing good or producing benefit
- beneficial: helpful or producing good effects
- certify: to confirm officially as true
- effect: a result or outcome
- efficacious: effective; producing the intended result
Fac / fic / fact gives make. Affectation is a made-up manner performed for effect.
His British accent was an affectation he dropped the moment he was surprised.
Affectation is personality with stage makeup. The person may want elegance, intellect, toughness, or charm, but the performance feels manufactured.