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

Related Stories Magazine An affectionate but clear-eyed portrait of a time and place. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Her drawing may, like theirs, court a deliberate awkwardness, but the effect is usually less mordant, even affectionate. — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The Dutch Mafia, the affectionate nickname for fans of Dutch Bros, routinely posts these favorites on social media. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 8 Sep. 2026

In a trio of images — the last of which is featured on the new publication’s cover — Justin and Hailey are seen leaning in for an affectionate kiss, and in another, the two are reclined on a bed as the singer plants a smooch on Hailey’s cheek. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 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