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Afflatus.

surikata

Senior Member
London(BBC)English
`He insisted that his musical compositions were the result of hard work, not afflatus` Is the use of `afflatus` correct in this sentence. It does not feel as if its an English word?
Afflatus is correct in this context - see WR Dictionary entry HERE.
Afflatus is an uncommon word, and taking into account the risk of association with flatus and flatulence, I suggest being very careful about the context in which you use it.
Hi surikata,

My dictionary says that "afflatus" means "a divine creative impulse or inspiration," so it appears that the word is being used correctly in your sentence. I admit that I'd never heard of the word before, and, when I first saw it in your post, I thought it had something to do with "flatulence"!!!

It's a precise word, but not a pretty word and, so, I don't think I'd ever use it for fear that no one would understand it or for fear that everyone would misunderstand it!
Thank you panjandrum and rocamadour. Your thoughts were mine to a tee.
Strange word indeed, to me. Another occasion where i so deeply regret my lack of attention in my school days.
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