# affectionately

/əˈfɛkʃənətɫi/ (US) · /ɐfˈɛkʃənətli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/affectionately
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: in a manner characterized by fondness, tenderness, or warmth. Typically describes physical gestures or verbal expressions of endearment.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

---

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.