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

Tie Waist Dress Meghan Markle has been giving us a glimpse into her life lately on Instagram, and in an affectionate Valentine’s Day tribute to husband Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex wore another practical dress style: a tie waist. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Large crowds gather at the Front Wave Stadium in Oceanside where thousands watch the Los Angeles Clippers G team play basketball while youth basketball leagues fill gymnasiums with multicultural teams of youngsters and their cheering, affectionate parents. —Mary Wolshok, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

Nguyen takes historical realities and weaves them into an affecting, and affectionate, story showing one family’s ability to resist fascism in all its forms. —Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025

The boxer looked thrilled to walk the carpet with his future wife, giving Leerdam affectionate kisses and showing some PDA on the carpet. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 27 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