The word "affiliate" refers to a person or organization that is officially connected to a larger group or entity. Affiliates often collaborate or work together, sharing resources or goals, but they retain their own identity and operations. For instance, a local branch of a national organization is considered an affiliate of that organization.
The word "affiliate" comes from the Latin word "affiliatus," which means "to adopt as a son." The prefix "ad-" means "to" or "toward," and "filius" means "son." Over time, the term evolved to refer to a person or entity that is connected or associated with another.