affectionate
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of affectionate
First recorded in 1485–95; affection 1 + -ate 1, on the model of passionate
Explanation
Being affectionate is being warm, tender, and loving. A hug is an affectionate gesture. Affectionate words and actions show love, liking, or compassion. Kissing on the cheek, holding hands, and hugging are all affectionate. Parents and children, teachers and students, brothers and sisters — they can all be affectionate to each other. It's hard to fake being affectionate, so we tend to be affectionate to people we genuinely like.
Vocabulary lists containing affectionate
Positive Adjectives to Describe People
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Positive Words to Describe People, List 1
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Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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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.
“The Madness Pill” is a vivid and affectionate tribute to a brilliant scientist, though, the author writes, one who “is almost unknown outside of scientific circles.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
This is Early’s life: an affectionate homage to the women he’s so inspired by, who have influenced his comedy and interests, who shaped him into the artist he is today.
From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026
The thought is prompted by the death this week of the movie critic Rex Reed, 87, who was the object of an affectionate appreciation by his friend Merin Curotto, who was Reed’s editor at Observer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
There is good reason this gentle, affectionate meeting between genetic cousins has become a TV landmark.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026
Rufus had become talkative and happy, openly affectionate to a quietly tolerant Alice.
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
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.
