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

That the affectionate Nishio-san doesn’t impose her perspective on the girl, but quite literally tries to perceive each moment from her height, signals a bond that’s closer to one between mutuals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This portrait of the man is too affectionate to leave the reader much in doubt of the author’s feelings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I mean, Pat Buchanan obviously has a lot of personal and affectionate relationships with people who are Jewish.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"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

Related Words

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