# affectionate

/əˈfɛkʃənət/ (US) · /ɐfˈɛkʃənət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/affectionate
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. loving and caring

adjective · CEFR B1

showing that you love or like someone very much through your actions or words.

For teachers: feeling or showing a high degree of fondness, tenderness, or love toward another person.

- He is very affectionate and always gives his parents a hug when he sees them.
- The child was remarkably affectionate, often leaning his head against his mother's shoulder while she read to him in the evenings.

Usage: often used to describe people or their physical gestures like hugs.

### 2. showing love in a gesture

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a look, a touch, or a letter that shows love.

For teachers: characterised by or proceeding from affection; used to describe specific actions or communications that convey warmth.

- She wrote an affectionate note to her grandmother to thank her for the gift.
- The couple exchanged an affectionate glance across the crowded room, sharing a private moment of connection amidst the noise.

Usage: frequently modifies nouns like 'glance', 'letter', or 'embrace'.

## Examples

- She gave her dog an affectionate pat on the head.
- The teacher was affectionate with the younger students, often praising their efforts warmly.
- His affectionate nature made him a beloved figure in the community, known for his gentle demeanor and consistent kindness toward neighbors.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.