Afford \Af*ford"\ ([a^]f*f[=o]rd"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Afforded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Affording}.] [OE. aforthen, AS.
   gefor[eth]ian, for[eth]ian, to further, accomplish, afford,
   fr. for[eth] forth, forward. The prefix ge- has no well
   defined sense. See {Forth}.]
   1. To give forth; to supply, yield, or produce as the natural
      result, fruit, or issue; as, grapes afford wine; olives
      afford oil; the earth affords fruit; the sea affords an
      abundant supply of fish.
      
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   2. To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its
      being the natural result; to provide; to furnish; as, a
      good life affords consolation in old age.
      
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            His tuneful Muse affords the sweetest numbers.
                                                  --Addison.
      
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            The quiet lanes . . . afford calmer retreats.
                                                  --Gilpin.
      
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   3. To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting,
      expending, with profit, or without loss or too great
      injury; as, A affords his goods cheaper than B; a man can
      afford a sum yearly in charity.
      
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   4. To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an
      act which might under other circumstances be injurious; --
      with an auxiliary, as can, could, might, etc.; to be able
      or rich enough.
      
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            The merchant can afford to trade for smaller
            profits.                              --Hamilton.
      
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            He could afford to suffer
            With those whom he saw suffer.        --Wordsworth.
      
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