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 news was especially jarring because Reiner’s relationship with his own famous father had always seemed so enviably affectionate. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025

When the lights finally dimmed 45 minutes later, Safdie took the front of the theater after an affectionate introduction from Sacco, giving a somewhat bemused apology about the delay before diving into his remarks. —Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2025

Kaylee is known to be caring and affectionate. —The Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025

The combination of a golden retriever’s affectionate nature with the husky’s striking coloration makes this mix particularly eye-catching to dog lovers who enjoy seeing how different breeds blend together. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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