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

• adoring
• devoted
• fond
• loving
• tender
• tenderhearted

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

Lori’s memories of those years were affectionate but hazy. —Mark Oppenheimer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024

Numerous studies suggest that these affectionate gestures not only strengthen emotional closeness and passion but also support mental and physical well-being. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

The word Honey was picked for its affectionate connotations and there was a slight nod to it with jars of M&S honey at the breakfast table. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024

Their affectionate time together comes just days after the death of Kennedy's 96-year-old mother Ethel Kennedy on Thursday, Oct. 10, with Hines praising her husband's tribute to Ethel on social media. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 Oct. 2024

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