Affectation
(noun)
- An artificial or studied mannerism assumed in order to impress others.
- An artificial or exaggerated display of feeling or action.
Origin:
From latin affectatio, from affectus (past participle of afficere, "to do something to") + -ion (noun-forming suffix).
Examples:
- He spoke with such an affectation, it was clear he was trying to impress the crowd.
- She put on an affectation of being sophisticated, but it was clear she was just trying too hard.
- The affectation in his speech made it difficult to take him seriously.
- His affectation of disinterest was clearly just a front.
- The actress's affectation of a British accent was unconvincing.