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

• loving
• adoring

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

The star of the viral video, a Staffordshire bull terrier, is known for being an affectionate and intelligent breed with a big personality. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

This Water sign’s vivid imagination can also be quite fond of this breed’s equally affectionate and stubborn nature. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

Those differences mostly have to do with upbringing, and the two have always seemed outwardly supportive and affectionate with each other, but that hasn’t changed some people’s minds about the matter. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2025

The campaign video also includes affectionate voiceovers from the women speaking about their close bond. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 Oct. 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