have the financial means to do something or buy something
"We can't afford to send our children to college"
"Can you afford this car?"
To incur, stand, or bear without serious detriment, as an act which might under other circumstances be injurious;—with an auxiliary, as can, could, might, etc.; to be able or rich enough.
"After the unexpected medical bill, I couldn't afford another luxury purchase this month."
In plain English: To afford means to have enough money to pay for something without going into debt.
"They can barely afford to rent an apartment in the city."
Usage: Use "afford" to mean having the financial resources or ability to pay for something, such as when you say you cannot afford a new car. Avoid using it to describe physical capacity or emotional strength, which should instead use words like "bear," "handle," or "endure."
The word "afford" comes from Middle English and originally meant to further or accomplish something. It entered modern usage with its current sense of having enough money or resources through a shift in meaning over time.