Had enough money to buy something, or provided or gave something to someone.
From Old English 'geforðian' meaning 'to manage' or 'accomplish.' The 'for-' prefix and 'forth' are related, suggesting moving forward or accomplishing something. It evolved to mean managing financially.
The root 'forth' in 'afford' connects to ideas of moving forward and accomplishing—you can only afford something if you can move forward with paying for it! The phrase 'afford an opportunity' uses the older meaning of 'to furnish or provide.'
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