affectionately
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of affectionately
Explanation
When you do something affectionately, you do it in a way that shows fondness and warm feelings toward someone. Patting your dog's head affectionately may earn you a tail wag. The adverb affectionately comes from the noun affection, which means "a gentle feeling of fondness or liking." Punching someone's shoulder affectionately will likely elicit a smile as opposed to a sneer, as it wasn't intended to hurt but rather to show friendship. The word affectionately evokes acts of kindness and warmth, like a loving smile, a gentle touch, or encouraging words — expressing genuine care for someone special in your life.
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.
In an emotional message posted on Radio 2's social accounts, the presenter - affectionately known as "Whispering" Bob Harris - thanked the BBC and his listeners for their support.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Google describes its Visakhapatnam project, which broke ground in late April, as a landmark investment that will help transform the city of two million, affectionately known in India as Vizag.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Walking around, Snopko spoke affectionately about the "love stories" that have formed among the storks.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
Known affectionately as 'Bunny', she has dominated headlines after contract renewal discussions broke down with her current deal set to run out in June.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
She patted my cheek affectionately, giving me peanut butter racing stripes.
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
