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

The combination of a golden retriever’s affectionate nature with the husky’s striking coloration makes this mix particularly eye-catching to dog lovers who enjoy seeing how different breeds blend together. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

There is even evidence in Emily’s letters to Austin that someone, probably Loomis Todd, sought to expunge affectionate references to Susan. —Via Chronicle Books, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

From the top, the tone was affectionate and a little starstruck. —Bryan West, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Maintain a predictable parenting environment Parenting is a full time job complete with its own anxieties—but parents can learn to celebrate their unique children and provide caregiving and responses that are thoughtful, consistent, and affectionate. —Taylor Grothe, Parents, 10 Dec. 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