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

Is this moving-picture love letter overly sentimental, sloppy to a fault, and slightly more affectionate toward its posthumous subject than a basket of puppies high on laughing gas? —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025

Despite her adventurous streak, Boo is described as gentle and affectionate. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

An affectionate little cat with a heart bursting with love for humans is looking for a home at a Texas shelter. —Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025

Hope Anne is goofy, affectionate, full of zest, and has so much love to give. —Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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