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

In Kazakh culture, the word has an affectionate, childlike quality and is also associated with a popular traditional circle game for children. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

These outings looked and felt like dates, and Gilda was affectionate and tactile — her intentions toward me were clear. — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

The movie is a comic and affectionate portrait of a quixotic if mathematically dubious dream. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Related Stories Magazine An affectionate but clear-eyed portrait of a time and place. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 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