affinity: [14] The abstract notion of ‘relationship’ in affinity was originally a more concrete conception of a border. The word comes, via Old French afinite, from the Latin adjective affinis, which meant literally ‘bordering on something’. It was formed from the prefix ad- ‘to’ and the noun finis ‘border’ (from which English also gets finish, confine, and define). => confine, define, finish, paraffin, refine
affinity (n.)
c. 1300, "relation by marriage" (as opposed to consanguinity), from Old French afinité (12c.), from Latin affinitatem (nominative affinitas) "neighborhood, relationship by marriage," noun of state from affinis "adjacent," also "kin by marriage," literally "bordering on," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + finis "a border, a boundary" (see finish (v.)). Used figuratively since c. 1600 of structural relationships in chemistry, philology, etc. Meaning "natural attraction" (as though by family) is from 1610s.
例文
1. There is a natural affinity between British and Asian women.
イギリス人女性とアジア人女性の間には自然な親近感がある。
2.Sam was born in the country and had a deep affinity with nature.
サムは田舎で生まれ、自然が大好きです。
3.Many girls do show an affinity for craft skills.
確かに手作りが好きな女の子はたくさんいます。
4.I felt a great affinity with the people of the Highlands.
私はスコットランド高地の人々に深く惹かれました。
5.It 's important that you share an affinity with your husband.