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

Yet despite being the boss at work, the 52-year-old mother and stepmother of nine children could also be funny and affectionate with family. —Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Over the years, many have stopped seeing Pretty Woman as an affectionate fairytale. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

The affectionate moment marked their first unmistakable public display as a couple. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

The number one product of the show was a little robotic dog that seems so life-like and fun, and affectionate for people that need that type of affection. —Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 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