affectionate

adjective

af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
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

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for affectionate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of affectionate was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

affectionate

adjective
af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving
affectionately adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on affectionate

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