affectionate
uh-FEHK-shuh-nuht
Affectionate (adj) means showing warmth, fondness, or love readily and openly. Example: “She’s a very affectionate mother who hugs her kids constantly.”
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- affectionates
- Past tense
- affectionated
- Comparative
- more affectionate
- Superlative
- most affectionate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for affectionate
See all rhymes for affectionate →Frequently asked questions
What does “affectionate” mean?
The word “affectionate” means showing warmth, fondness, or love readily and openly. In plain terms, openly warm and loving in how someone behaves toward others.
How do you pronounce “affectionate”?
“Affectionate” is pronounced uh-FEHK-shuh-nuht (/əˈfɛkʃənət/ in IPA).
How do you use “affectionate” in a sentence?
Here is “affectionate” used in a sentence: “She’s a very affectionate mother who hugs her kids constantly.”
What is another word for “affectionate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “affectionate” include tender, lovesome, attached, loving, devoted and warm.
What is the opposite of “affectionate”?
The opposite of “affectionate” — its antonyms — are callous and heartless.
What part of speech is “affectionate”?
“Affectionate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “affectionate” come from?
The word “affectionate” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin affectionatus — built on affection plus the adjective ending -ate. It shares its root with "aficionado.".
Is “affectionate” a common word?
“Affectionate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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