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

Six in 10 respondents said people in the United States don’t place enough value on men who are caring, open about their emotions, soft-spoken or affectionate, according to an October 2024 Pew Research Center survey. —Matt Villano, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

Before making his way to the stage to accept the award, Bailey kissed Ellis, followed by an affectionate hug. —Erica Marrison, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

In the complete first volume, which appeared in 1854, the Grimms included Wilhelm’s affectionate nickname for his wife, bierlümmel (beer lout). —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Even so, their relationship is playful and affectionate—she’d do anything to protect him from finding out how hostile the world really is. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 1 Nov. 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