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

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Jordan Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of NFL icon Bill Belichick, let slip an affectionate nickname for the legendary coach. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner continue to get along swimmingly, and the two have been spotted being playfully affectionate during recent outings. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025

An affectionate cat is on the hunt for a new home to spend her golden years in after her owners left her at an Indiana shelter. —Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025

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

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