'affectation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'affectatio,' where 'affectare' meant 'to strive after.'

'affectatio' transformed into the French word 'affectation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'affectation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a striving after,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display.'