Distinguishing Affluent from Effluent

Affluent vs Effluent
 
The words affluent and effluent may appear similar, but they have entirely different meanings. The term affluent refers to being wealthy, rich, and prosperous, whereas effluent pertains to liquid waste or sewage. Affluent is typically used as an adjective to describe a noun, while effluent is a noun itself.

Key Takeaways

• Affluent describes wealth and prosperity.
• Effluent refers to liquid waste or sewage.
• Affluent is an adjective, while effluent is a noun.

What does Affluent mean?

Affluent is used to describe someone who is wealthy and prosperous. For example, it can be used to describe an individual who has a high income or a luxurious lifestyle. In sentences, the word affluent is used as an adjective. Consider these examples:

My cousin has been leading an affluent lifestyle since he got promoted.
He is very affluent, so he can do whatever he wishes even at this young age.

In both sentences, affluent is used to describe the wealth and prosperity of the individual.

What does Effluent mean?

Effluent refers to liquid waste or sewage. The discharge of waste into waterways is a critical environmental issue, as it can harm humans and aquatic life. Effluent, unlike the word affluent, is used as a noun. Here are two example sentences:

The discharge of effluent can be very harmful to the environment.
The new factory discharges effluent into the river.

In both examples, effluent is used to describe the damage that can be caused by its discharge into the natural environment.

What is the difference between Affluent and Effluent?

The differences between affluent and effluent are as follows:

• Affluent refers to wealth and prosperity, while effluent pertains to liquid waste or sewage.
• Affluent is an adjective, while effluent is a noun.
• Affluent is used to describe a characteristic or lifestyle, while effluent refers to waste.