AFFECTATION

affectation, mannerism, pose, affectedness

(noun) a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

affectation (countable and uncountable, plural affectations)

An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.

An unusual mannerism.

Synonyms

• (unusual mannerism): eccentricity, mannerism

Source: Wiktionary

Af`fec*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. affectatio: cf. F. affectation.]

1. An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show. "An affectation of contempt." Macaulay. Affectation is an awkward and forced imitation of what should be genuine and easy, wanting the beauty that accompanies what is natural what is natural. Locke.

2. A striving after. [Obs.] Bp. Pearson.

3. Fondness; affection. [Obs.] Hooker.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition