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

Most people who practice instinctive parenting tend to be very hands-on with their children,tend to be physically affectionate with their kids, and often do not take advice from books, influencers, or well-meaning relatives. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 5 Dec. 2025

Finally, the golden retriever earns its place thanks to its friendly, affectionate personality, strong trainability and suitability as a loyal family pet. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

And yes, romantic feelings about intimate relationships will be over-the-top and so affectionate. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2025

Braun and Sweeney were photographed kissing while sitting on a large rock, marking their first openly affectionate moment on camera. —Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 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