• Affectionate

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /əˈfÉ›kʃənÉ™t/

    Origin 1

    Partly from Latin affectionatus, partly from affection + -ate.

    Full definition of affectionate

    Adjective

    affectionate

    1. (of a person) Having affection or warm regard; loving; fond.She eulogised her always warm and affectionate brother.
    2. (of an action, etc.) Characterised by or proceeding from affection; indicating love; tender.''the affectionate care of a parent; an affectionate countenance; an affectionate message; affectionate language
      • 1900, Charles W. Chesnutt, The House Behind the Cedars, Chapter I,Warwick left the undertaker's shop and retraced his steps until he had passed the lawyer's office, toward which he threw an affectionate glance.

    Derived terms

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /əˈfÉ›kʃəneɪt/

    Origin 2

    Either from the adjective, or from affection + -ate (modelled on Middle French affectionner).

    Verb

    1. (rare) To show affection to; to have affection for.
    2. (obsolete, reflexive) To emotionally attach (oneself) to.
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