English Explanatory Dictionary

affectionate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Having affection or warm regard; loving; fond.
  2. Characterised by or proceeding from affection; indicating love; tender.
  3. Eager; passionate; strongly inclined toward something.
verb
  1. To show affection to; to have affection for.
  2. To emotionally attach (oneself) to.

Pronunciation

/əˈfɛkʃənət/ en-us-affectionate.ogg /əˈfɛkʃəneɪt/

Word forms

affectionate more affectionate most affectionate affectionates affectionating affectionated

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin affectiōnātus. By surface analysis, affection + -ate (adjective-forming suffix). Doublet of aficionado.

Synonyms

tender lovesome attached loving devoted warm fond earnest ardent affectionate caring cordial dear friendly goodhearted good-natured heartfelt hearty kind kindhearted kindsome softhearted warm-hearted tenderhearted

Antonyms

callous heartless

Related words

affect affectation affecter affective affection

Derived words

affectionate friendship affectionately affectionateness disaffectionate inaffectionate nonaffectionate pseudoaffectionate unaffectionate
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