"Affluent" vs. "wealthy": nuances of prosperity

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 09/11/2024, 16:31

English.me team member

Affluent and wealthy. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "affluent" and "wealthy" describe individuals, groups, or areas that possess a significant amount of financial resources or material prosperity.

What is different?

The word "affluent" often implies having an abundance or excess of wealth, sometimes with a connotation of lifestyle or influence. "Wealthy" generally denotes simply having a large amount of money or assets, often focusing on monetary value alone.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Affluent

The affluent neighborhood was known for its large homes and well-manicured lawns.
He grew up in an affluent family that valued education and culture.
Affluent societies have access to advanced healthcare and technology.

Wealthy

The wealthy businessman donated millions to charity.
Her investments made her one of the wealthiest people in the region.
Many wealthy individuals have diversified their assets into real estate and stocks.