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

Other Word Forms

• affectionately adverb
• affectionateness noun
• pseudoaffectionate adjective
• quasi-affectionate adjective
• unaffectionate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affectionate¹

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

Example Sentences

"He left me with so many memories. He was very caring and affectionate."

Read more on BBC

She and Bhumibol travelled extensively throughout the country, often listening to rural Thais' concerns first hand, earning her the affectionate title "Mother of the Nation".

Read more on Barron's

She pays an affectionate but cheeky tribute to the singer on a song simply called Joni.

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On stage, they could jump between being affectionate and combative in a flash, finding the humor in hyper-specific yet universal situations.

Read more on Salon

Danny and Lena, the show’s main characters, find themselves unofficial partners in the two episodes out for review, as they go from antagonistic to affectionate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caring 
• friendly 
• loving 
• sympathetic 
• warm 
• warmhearted www.thesaurus.com