Afford vs. Effort: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 22, 2023
Afford means to have the means to buy or do something; effort refers to the use of physical or mental energy to do something.
Key Differences
Afford and effort are two distinct terms with different meanings and applications. "Afford" is primarily a verb, and it describes the ability of an individual or entity to manage the expense of a cost, usually of a good or a service, without suffering undue hardship. For example, if a person can pay for a car with their available resources and without facing financial strain, it is said that they can afford the car. The concept of affordability is relative and may vary significantly from one individual or entity to another, depending on their available resources and priorities.
Contrarily, "effort" is a noun and it denotes the physical or mental exertion that is put into accomplishing a task or achieving a goal. It reflects the amount of work, energy, and determination applied in executing a task or overcoming a challenge. For instance, a student putting in time and energy to study for an exam is said to be making an effort. Effort is a crucial component in the achievement of goals and is often a prerequisite for success in various endeavors.
When we compare afford and effort, it’s evident that while one is related to financial capability, the other is linked to the application of energy and determination. Being able to afford something does not necessarily require effort, particularly when the means are readily available. For example, a person with substantial wealth can afford many things without making any effort. On the other hand, effort is often unrelated to financial capability and is more about the willingness and determination to apply oneself to a task or goal, whether or not one can afford the associated costs.
Moreover, effort can sometimes influence affordability. For example, a person might put in extra effort at work, perhaps by working overtime, to earn more money so that they can afford something they desire. In this scenario, the effort is the means through which the individual seeks to enhance their ability to afford. Similarly, one might exert effort in researching and negotiating to afford something at a lower cost.
In conclusion, "afford" is a term that denotes financial capability or feasibility, and it is primarily used as a verb. "Effort," on the other hand, is a noun representing the exertion of physical or mental energy to achieve a goal or complete a task. Both terms, although different in their nature and application, can interact in specific contexts, particularly when effort is employed to enhance affordability.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Meaning
Ability to bear the cost
Exertion of physical or mental energy
Application
Primarily financial
Varied, can be physical, mental, or emotional
Relates to
Financial capability
Work and determination
Dependency
Can be independent of effort
Can influence and be influenced by affordability
ADVERTISEMENT
Afford and Effort Definitions
Afford
To provide or yield something.
The balcony affords a stunning view of the ocean.
Effort
The use of physical or mental energy to do something.
He passed the exam with minimal effort.
Afford
To make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably.
The situation affords us the opportunity to improve.
Effort
The act of applying oneself; endeavor.
Completing the project required significant effort.
Afford
To have enough money, time, or resources for something.
He can afford to take a day off.
Effort
A determined or assiduous attempt to achieve something.
She is making an effort to learn the language.
Afford
To be able to meet the expense of something.
I can afford a new laptop this month.
Effort
A strenuous attempt to achieve a goal.
The team made a concerted effort to win the game.
Afford
To be able to do something without incurring adverse effects.
We can afford to be patient.
Effort
The result of an attempt.
The painting is one of his finest efforts.
Afford
To have the financial means for; bear the cost of
Able to afford a new car.
Effort
The use of physical or mental energy to do something; exertion.
Afford
To manage to spare or give up
Can't afford an hour for lunch.
Effort
A difficult exertion of strength or will
It was an effort to get up.
Afford
To manage or bear without disadvantage or risk to oneself
Can afford to be tolerant.
Effort
A usually earnest attempt
Make an effort to arrive promptly.
Afford
To make available or have as a necessary feature; provide
A tree that affords ample shade.
A sport affording good exercise.
Effort
Something done or produced through exertion; an achievement
A play that was his finest effort.
Afford
To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious; to be able or rich enough.
I think we can afford the extra hour it will take.
We can only afford to buy a small car at the moment.
Effort
Force applied against inertia.
Afford
(obsolete) To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting or expending, with profit, or without too great a loss.
Alfred affords his goods cheaper than Bantock.
Effort
The force needed by a machine to accomplish work on a load.
Afford
(rare) To give forth; to supply, yield, or produce as the natural result, fruit, or issue.
Grapes afford wine.
Olives afford oil.
The earth affords fruit.
The sea affords an abundant supply of fish.
Effort
The work involved in performing an activity; exertion.
It took a lot of effort to find a decent-sized, fully-furnished apartment within walking distance of the office.
He made a conscious effort to not appear affected by the stories in the paper.
Afford
To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its being the natural result; to provide; to furnish.
A good life affords consolation in old age.
Effort
An endeavor.
Although he didn't win any medals, Johnson's effort at the Olympics won over many fans.
Afford
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.
Effort
A force acting on a body in the direction of its motion.
Afford
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.
His tuneful Muse affords the sweetest numbers.
The quiet lanes . . . afford calmer retreats.
Effort
To make an effort.
Afford
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.
Effort
To strengthen, fortify or stimulate
Afford
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.
The merchant can afford to trade for smaller profits.
He could afford to sufferWith those whom he saw suffer.
Effort
An exertion of strength or power, whether physical or mental, in performing an act or aiming at an object; more or less strenuous endeavor; struggle directed to the accomplishment of an object; as, an effort to scale a wall.
We prize the stronger effort of his power.
Afford
Be able to spare or give up;
I can't afford to spend two hours with this person
Effort
A force acting on a body in the direction of its motion.
Afford
Be the cause or source of;
He gave me a lot of trouble
Our meeting afforded much interesting information
Effort
To stimulate.
Afford
Have the financial means to do something or buy something;
We can't afford to send our children to college
Can you afford this car?
Effort
Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something;
Made an effort to cover all the reading material
Wished him luck in his endeavor
She gave it a good try
Afford
Afford access to;
The door opens to the patio
The French doors give onto a terrace
Effort
Use of physical or mental energy; hard work;
He got an A for effort
They managed only with great exertion
Effort
A series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end;
He supported populist campaigns
They worked in the cause of world peace
The team was ready for a drive toward the pennant
The movement to end slavery
Contributed to the war effort
Effort
A notable achievement;
He performed a great deed
The book was her finest effort
FAQs
Is afford always related to financial capability?
Predominantly, but it can also relate to having enough time or other resources.
Can effort be used as a verb?
No, effort is a noun; “to exert effort” would be the verb form.
Can something affordable require no effort?
Yes, if one has ample resources, affording something may require no effort.
Can afford be used as a noun?
It is primarily used as a verb; using it as a noun is uncommon.
Can everyone afford the same things?
No, affordability is subjective and varies based on individual resources.
Can effort influence affordability?
Yes, increased effort can lead to increased resources, impacting affordability.
Is effort always physical?
No, effort can be mental, emotional, or physical.
Can effort be quantified?
It can be challenging as it is subjective, but it can be approximated in some contexts.
Are both afford and effort relative terms?
Yes, what one can afford and the effort one needs to exert vary from person to person.
Can effort be measured in terms of time?
Time can be a component, but effort also includes intensity and focus.
Does effort always lead to success?
Not always, but it increases the likelihood of achieving goals.
Is making an effort always voluntary?
Typically, but sometimes external circumstances may compel one to make an effort.
Can something be affordable but still require a lot of effort to acquire?
Yes, affordability does not negate the possible requirement of effort.
Are afford and effort related to economics?
Afford is directly related, while effort is related in terms of labor and productivity.
Can one afford more with increased effort?
Potentially, as increased effort may lead to increased resources or opportunities.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
