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

• loving
• adoring

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

The grateful rescue pup leapt up and was incredibly affectionate towards @yalcantara1023 for taking care of him. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

Trump was receptive to Rutte's nickname, saying during a press conference later Wednesday that the secretary-general meant it in an affectionate manner. —Mary Bruce, ABC News, 25 June 2025

This affectionate beauty has known love before and is ready to find it again after the death of her former owner. —Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025

Just last week, on June 17, Johansson and Bailey showed off their affectionate friendship with a peck on the lips at the Jurassic World: Rebirth London premiere. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025

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