affectionate

af·fec·tion·ate

adjective \ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət\

Definition of AFFECTIONATE

1

obsolete : inclined, disposed

2

: having affection or warm regard : loving <affectionate friends>

3

: motivated by affection : tender <affectionate care>

— af·fec·tion·ate·ly adverb

Examples of AFFECTIONATE

1. <an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely>

First Known Use of AFFECTIONATE

15th century

Related to AFFECTIONATE

Synonyms

adoring, loving, devoted, fond, tender, tenderhearted

Antonyms

unloving

Related Words

caring, compassionate, considerate, cordial, doting, forgiving, friendly, humane, kind, understanding, warmhearted; ardent, fervent, impassioned, passionate, warm; amatory, amorous, erotic (also erotical); enamored, infatuated, lovesick; lovey-dovey, mushy, romantic, sappy, sentimental; brotherly, fatherly, motherly, sisterly

Near Antonyms

aloof, antisocial, cold-eyed, cool, detached, distant, dry, frosty, hard-hearted, indifferent, offish, pitiless, remote, reserved, standoffish, unbending, uncaring, unfeeling; disaffected, unconcerned, uninvolved; cold, frigid, unfriendly; callous, cold-blooded, hard-boiled, heartless, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, unromantic, unsentimental