Synonyms

affectionately

American

[uh-fek-shuh-nit-lee] / əˈfɛk ʃə nɪt li /

adverb

in a way that shows or is characterized by affection or love.

Georgia’s favorite pet is a Russian tortoise, whom she has affectionately named Speedbump.

Other Word Forms

pseudoaffectionately adverb
quasi-affectionately adverb
unaffectionately adverb

Etymology

Origin of affectionately

affectionate ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zoe Johnston, a second-year student from Falkirk, has befriended several U.S. students whom she affectionately calls “my Americans.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

They described him as a "devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as 'Bampi'."

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

With that funding, the team added a full-time nutritionist, massage therapists and a new ski-service truck affectionately known as Nelly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

As the shoot unfolds, Clyde can be found affectionately rubbing Hayley’s hand, gently playing with the wedding band on her ring finger.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

I catch my parents looking at each other affectionately.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023