affectionate

American  

[uh-fek-shuh-nit] / əˈfɛk ʃə nɪt /

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.

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affectionate British  

/ əˈfɛkʃənɪt /

adjective

1. having or displaying tender feelings, affection, or warmth

   an affectionate mother

   an affectionate letter

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of affectionate

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

Example Sentences

But like all families, there's a lot of affectionate mockery.

From BBC

“People don’t realize it,” the doctor said eagerly, “but bulldogs are very affectionate.”

From Literature

Their relationship was deeply affectionate and equally complex.

From The Wall Street Journal

The woman’s arm looks stiff, as though the cameraman had told her to be affectionate, but it’s not her natural style.

From Literature

George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caring
• friendly
• loving
• sympathetic
• warm
• warmhearted