adj
affectionate
uh-FEHK-shuh-nuht
adj
1
Showing warmth, fondness, or love readily and openly.
"She’s a very affectionate mother who hugs her kids constantly."
"Their dog is affectionate with everyone who visits."
How to Use Affectionate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOpenly warm and loving in how someone behaves toward others.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
an affectionate hug
affectionate toward someone
Word Forms
more affectionate comparative, affectionated past tense, affectionates singular, most affectionate superlative
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She’s a very _____ mother who hugs her kids constantly.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin affectionatus — built on affection plus the adjective ending -ate. It shares its root with "aficionado."