affinity

noun

UK /əˈfɪn.ə.ti/

US /əˈfɪn.ə.t̬i/

A natural liking for someone or something.

She has a strong affinity for animals and loves spending time at the shelter.

SYNONYMS

liking fondness attraction rapport connection

RELATED WORDS

sympathy bond kinship attraction closeness

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A close similarity or connection between two things.

There is a clear affinity between the two languages.

3. A natural ability to understand or do something well.

He showed an early affinity for mathematics.

4. A chemical attraction between substances that makes them combine.

The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen is essential for breathing.