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

Now, the lively, friendly and affectionate breed thrives on regular exercise and continues to possess a strong and protective nature. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

The affectionate exchange offered a glimpse into the couple’s growing comfort together, even in public settings. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025

In October, the pair shared affectionate posts online, including a photo together that fueled speculation about their relationship. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 27 Dec. 2025

The news was especially jarring because Reiner’s relationship with his own famous father had always seemed so enviably affectionate. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 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