affectionate
/əˈfek.ʃən.ət/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Affectionate means showing love, warmth, or gentle care toward someone. It describes people, words, or actions that feel kind and close.
- She gave her son an affectionate hug.
- He wrote an affectionate message to his friend.
- Their relationship is warm and affectionate.
Adinary Nuance
Affectionate is warmer and more personal than kind or friendly. It suggests visible care, like hugs, gentle words, or a loving tone. Use it for close relationships, not just polite behavior.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ân cần
- Spanish
- cariñoso
- Chinese
- 亲切的
- Japanese
- 愛情深い
- Korean
- 애정 어린
Etymology
Affectionate comes from Latin affectio, meaning “feeling” or “state of mind.” It entered English in the 16th century.
Common phrases
an affectionate smilean affectionate toneaffectionate gesturesaffectionate words
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is affectionate a formal word?
- It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
- What is the difference between affectionate and loving?
- Affectionate often describes the way someone shows love. Loving is broader and stronger.
- Can I say an affectionate person?
- Yes. It means the person shows warmth and care openly.
- Is affectionate used in business writing?
- Usually no. It is mainly used for personal relationships or descriptions.