affectionately
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈfɛkʃənətɫi// UK //ɐfˈɛkʃənətli// af·fec·tion·ate·ly
adv. in a way that shows you like or love someone. You use this to describe a warm, caring action like a hug or a kind word.
adv. in a manner characterized by fondness, tenderness, or warmth. Typically describes physical gestures or verbal expressions of endearment.
She smiled affectionately at her young grandson.
The old friends greeted each other affectionately, sharing a long hug before sitting down to talk.
Even after decades of marriage, they still spoke affectionately of their first meeting, recalling every detail with a warmth that suggested the memory had never faded.
From affectionate + -ly.
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.