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 emails have laid bare their cozy and affectionate language and paint a clear picture of the relationship that developed between them. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

Vida, played by Gobel, is edgy, angry and withdrawn around the younger, more free-spirited and affectionate Dodie, played by Summer Broyhill. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Happy Hour is gentle and affectionate and loves to rub against your legs and get lots of pets. —Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 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