Legal Writing

Fluent in Speech and Affluent in Wealth

By Maeve Maddox

Some speakers and writers are beginning to use the word affluent in contexts that call for fluent.

Here are some examples of incorrect usage I’ve notice on the web:

a good vocabulary is necessary? everyone should be well rounded and affluent in their own language.

[Name] has over 14 years of real estate experience, is affluent in Spanish and specializes in new home and residential sales.

[Name] was baptized in November 2006. She is affluent in Spanish, but her English is very weak.

[Name], who is affluent in Spanish, works with Hispanic students.

I need someone who is affluent in Spanish and I also would like to know about what they would charge for this.

I now realize that not everyone is affluent in Spanish.

Both fluent and affluent come from Latin words related to the idea of moving water: fluere, “to flow”; affluere, “flow toward.”

In modern usage, the most common definitions of the two words are these:

fluent [fl?'?nt] : flowing or capable of flowing, especially with ease or freedom

affluent [?f'l?-?nt] : having an abundance of goods or riches

The misuse reflects a nonstandard pronunciation of affluent that puts the stress on the second syllable instead of the first.

Here are some examples of the correct use of affluent:

Are Affluent Teens The Latest Victims Of Mental Illness?

These are affluent singles and couples who live in the chic high-rise neighborhoods of many big cities, owning swank condos and apartments.

An Increasingly Affluent Middle India Is Harder to Ignore

A person may live in an affluent neighborhood, but is fluent in a language.

Full post as published by Daily Writing Tips on May 26, 2010 (boomark / email).