affectionate

[ uh-fek-shuh-nit ]

adjective

1. showing, indicating, or characterized by affection or love; fondly tender:

   an affectionate embrace.

   Synonyms: fond, loving

2. having great affection or love; warmly attached; loving:

   your affectionate brother.

3. Obsolete.
   1. strongly disposed or inclined.
   2. passionate; headstrong.
   3. biased; partisan.

affectionate

/ əˈfɛkʃənɪt /

adjective

1. having or displaying tender feelings, affection, or warmth

   an affectionate mother

   an affectionate letter

Derived Forms

• afˈfectionately, adverb

Other Words From

• af·fec·tion·ate·ly adverb
• af·fec·tion·ate·ness noun
• pseu·do·af·fec·tion·ate adjective
• qua·si-af·fec·tion·ate adjective
• un·af·fec·tion·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affectionate¹

First recorded in 1485–95; affection ¹ + -ate ¹, on the model of passionate

Example Sentences

Speaking five months after the sentencing, he said at first the relationship seemed "normal", though in hindsight he could see that she was "overly affectionate".

From BBC

Kamala Harris’s step-children calling her by an affectionate name that plays on the word “Mom”? This evidences a household that has all the love it needs — and all the humility.

From Salon

Too bad that more measured view of talent wasn’t as interesting to the makers of the affectionate yet hollow homage that is “Saturday Night.”

From Los Angeles Times

The father and son dynamic — affectionate, but doubting — was at the heart of their shared time onstage, with Dan the hipper son and Eugene the slightly befuddled father.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, Adele says the the focus is on keeping her intelligent, funny, considerate and affectionate daughter's memory alive.

From BBC

Related Words

• caring
• friendly
• loving
• sympathetic
• warm
• warmhearted