1 affectionate | Definition of affectionate

affectionate

adjective
af·​fec·​tion·​ate | \ ə-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio) \

Definition of affectionate

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

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Other Words from affectionate

affectionately adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for affectionate

Synonyms

adoring, devoted, fond, loving, tender, tenderhearted

Antonyms

unloving

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Examples of affectionate in a Sentence

an affectionate child who gives hugs and kisses freely

Recent Examples on the Web

Mr Harding’s affectionate family story is deftly sandwiched in the rise and fall of empire, two world wars, and two centuries of social and political change. The Economist, "The Jewish immigrants who changed British diets," 29 Aug. 2019 While KhloĂ© and Tristan are loving it up in the pool together, Kendall and Ben are seemingly less affectionate, but still look very flirty on the beach. Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "KhloĂ© Kardashian and Tristan Thompson Vacation in Mexico With Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons," 13 Aug. 2018 Their devotion to their son is apparent in their easy, affectionate family banter, and also in the character of Luce himself. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Who is ‘Luce’? Kelvin Harrison Jr. gives a compelling answer in a twisty race drama," 15 Aug. 2019 The two were spotted arriving at the Graffiti Mansion together and were also photographed getting affectionate inside the venue, with Biermann placing her hand on his waist. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Brielle Biermann Attends Tana Mongeau and Jake Paul's Wedding with Mystery Man," 30 July 2019 Director Jordan Roberts, who also adapted the screenplay from a short story by Robyn Joy Leff, takes an affectionate but formulaic approach, mixing earnest emotional beats with requisite comedic notes to counterbalance the melodrama. Geoff Berkshire, latimes.com, "Review: Vera Farmiga elevates the silly, sweet dramedy ‘Burn Your Maps’," 20 June 2019 Malden police said Millie is very friendly and affectionate. Alyssa Lukpat, BostonGlobe.com, "Abandoned kitten rescued from box on Malden sidewalk," 19 July 2019 Justin Sullivan—Getty Images The Chinese crested dog is affectionate, alert and lively, according to a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club, the U.S. registry of dog breeds. Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, "Here's Why the Chinese Crested Dog Is So Victorious at the World's Ugliest Dog Contest," 20 June 2019 The dogs are gregarious, loyal, inquisitive, and affectionate. National Geographic, "In Game of Thrones fans’ pursuit of real-life dire wolves, huskies may pay the price," 6 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'affectionate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of affectionate

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for affectionate

partly borrowed from Medieval Latin affectiƍnātus "inclined, disposed, well-disposed," from Latin affectiƍn-, affectiƍ affection + -ātus -ate entry 3; partly formed from affection + -ate entry 3 after Middle French affectionnĂ© "having affection for," past participle of affectionner "to have affection for," derivative of affection

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More Definitions for affectionate

affectionate

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of affectionate

: feeling or showing love and affection

affectionate

adjective
af·​fec·​tion·​ate | \ ə-ˈfek-shə-nət How to pronounce affectionate (audio) \

Kids Definition of affectionate

: feeling or showing a great liking for a person or thing : loving an affectionate friend

Other Words from affectionate

affectionately adverb She patted his head affectionately.

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