affectionate

adjective

af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət 

1

: feeling or showing affection or warm regard : loving

affectionate friends

an affectionate nickname

2

: motivated by affection : tender

affectionate care

3

obsolete : inclined, disposed

affectionately adverb

Synonyms of affectionate

• loving
• adoring

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

Prince William and Kate Middleton's increasingly affectionate public appearances have caught royal watchers' attention, with experts saying the couple are entering a happier, more relaxed chapter following a difficult few years. — Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

After all, if my brothers could be annoying, affectionate, and self-aggrandizing all at once, why couldn’t a man in the history books? — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

For the right family, a Samoyed can be an affectionate, comical and deeply engaging companion. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Samoyeds are friendly, active, affectionate, extremely loyal dogs that like to be on the go, get along with all animal breeds — including cats — and never met a stranger. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

partly borrowed from Medieval Latin affectiōnātus "inclined, disposed, well-disposed," from Latin affectiōn-, affectiō affection + -ātus -ate entry 3; partly formed from affection + -ate entry 3 after Middle French affectionné "having affection for," past participle of affectionner "to have affection for," derivative of affection

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

affectionate

adjective

af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət 

: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving

affectionately adverb