'afford' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'geforthian,' where 'ge-' meant 'together' and 'forthian' meant 'to further or promote.'

'geforthian' transformed into the Middle English word 'afford,' and eventually became the modern English word 'afford.'

Initially, it meant 'to further or promote,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be able to do something without risk or detriment.'