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

• loving
• adoring

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

That's why speaking in a calm, affectionate voice can strengthen the human-animal bond and provide comfort. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

Notably, Harry does not appear on camera even for a single moment — though his presence is felt through affectionate mentions and a few behind-the-scenes photos. —Janine Henni, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The couple publicly celebrated the win, sharing affectionate moments, including snuggles and kisses, in front of broadcast cameras on the field of Allegiant Stadium. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

This happens when a partner doesn’t ask about your feelings or your day, spends little to no quality time with you, ignores your needs, opinions or preferences, is rarely affectionate or appreciative and avoids physical or emotional intimacy altogether. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 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