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

Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate and social nature. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, relations with partners and spouses are sweet, affectionate and mutually supportive. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2025

The affectionate couple entertain guests at their lovely home, share big meals and beach days with the kids, send their eldest daughter, Vera (Valentina Herszage), to live with friends in London, dance enthusiastically to Tropicália tunes in their front room. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 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