2. To give, grant, or confer, with a remoter reference to its
being the natural result; to provide; to furnish; as, a
good life affords consolation in old age.
His tuneful Muse affords the sweetest numbers.
--Addison.
The quiet lanes . . . afford calmer retreats.
--Gilpin.
3. To offer, provide, or supply, as in selling, granting,
expending, with profit, or without loss or too great
injury; as, A affords his goods cheaper than B; a man can
afford a sum yearly in charity.
4. 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.
The merchant can afford to trade for smaller
profits. --Hamilton.
He could afford to suffer With those whom he saw
suffer. --Wordsworth.