”Affordance”, “affordances”—

The etymology of “afford” is quite fascinating and reflects a journey through language and culture. Originally, the term derives from the Old English “gefordian,” which meant “to further, promote, or support.” The prefix “ge-” in Old English often had a collective or completive sense, while “fordian” related to “forwarding” something.

Over time, the meaning of “afford” evolved. By the Middle Ages, it had taken on a sense closer to its modern usage, indicating the ability to provide or supply something, especially in the context of having enough resources or money. This change reflects a shift in focus from the act of promoting or furthering something to the ability to provide or bear the cost of it.

The evolution of “afford” mirrors a broader shift in many languages, where terms that originally described actions or qualities transform to express capability or capacity, especially in economic terms. This change could be seen as a linguistic reflection of societies’ increasing complexity, especially in matters of trade and finance.

In the context of your interests in philosophy, thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the evolution of “afford” might be particularly intriguing. It highlights how language adapts to economic and social changes, and how words can encapsulate broader shifts in human thought and society. The journey of the word “afford” from promoting or supporting to enabling or providing could even be seen as a metaphor for the entrepreneurial process itself – transforming an idea or potential into something tangible and accessible.