difference between inflict and afflict?

WELCOME to you soojin! Um, well... the simple answer based on the dictionary definitions is: no, there is little or no difference:

in·flict Pronunciation Key (n-flkt)
tr.v. in·flict·ed, in·flict·ing, in·flicts
1. To deal or mete out (something punishing or burdensome); impose: inflicted heavy losses on the enemy; a storm that inflicted widespread damage.
2. To afflict.

af·flict Pronunciation Key (-flkt)
tr.v. af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts
To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on

Both definitions from http://www.dictionary.com.

Am guessing this is just a personal preference thing? I'd probably tend towards using inflict for something someone does to someone else eg. "Is wwh trying to inflict his sense of humour on us?" and afflicted as something which has happened eg. "I am afflicted with an addiction to AWAD" .. not sure if that makes sense but it does to me!

Hev