affectionate

adjective

af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
1
: feeling or showing affection or warm regard : loving
affectionate friends
an affectionate nickname
2
: motivated by affection : tender
affectionate care
3
obsolete : inclined, disposed
affectionately adverb

Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While being affectionate around adults and children, the breed will stand up to threats from strangers. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Everyone will want to have fun and will feel relaxed and affectionate. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 June 2025 In the lead-up to the announcement, Siwa and Hughes shared a series of affectionate photos across their social media profiles, soft-launching their relationship. Shania Russell, EW.com, 2 June 2025 Steel asked Mia about positive and affectionate texts to Diddy, with his point being that a victim wouldn’t send kind missives. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for affectionate

Word History

Etymology

partly borrowed from Medieval Latin affectiōnātus "inclined, disposed, well-disposed," from Latin affectiōn-, affectiō affection + -ātus -ate entry 3; partly formed from affection + -ate entry 3 after Middle French affectionné "having affection for," past participle of affectionner "to have affection for," derivative of affection

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of affectionate was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Affectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affectionate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

affectionate

adjective
af·​fec·​tion·​ate ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio)
: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving
affectionately adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on affectionate

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