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

During a visit to his Elmhurst home, Farr was affectionate to his mother and to his caregiver and companion, Kareem Stevenson. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

Researchers suggest that when romantic partners are more physically affectionate, people feel safer in their relationships. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

My dad was the opposite — rarely angry, easygoing, affectionate, fun. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Feb. 2025

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