affectionately

[ uh-fek-shuh-nit-lee ]

adverb

1. 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of affectionately¹

affectionate ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The girl’s biological father left when she was very young, and Valdez — whom she refers to affectionately as Jime — got together with her mother when she was 2.

From Los Angeles Times

There was technically nothing sacred about a place like Amvets, or my hometown, really — which in my day was overrun by lifted trucks and affectionately nicknamed Tweaker City.

From Los Angeles Times

But that love is also shared with Mrs Abbott, who he affectionately nicknames "meerkat".

From BBC

Most of his colleagues affectionately call him “abuelo” — Spanish for grandfather.

From Los Angeles Times

But he said Galopin Des Champs - affectionately nicknamed "the good one" by stable staff - will rank as the best of them all if he wins the Cheltenham Festival showpiece on Friday.

From BBC

Related Words

• admiringly
• earnestly
• fondly
• longingly
• passionately
• respectfully
• reverently
• thoughtfully
• warmly
• zealously