B2adjectiverelationshipsemotions
US/əˈfek.ʃən.ət/
UK/əˈfek.ʃən.ət/
showing in a warm, gentle way that you like or love someone
In context
My grandmother is very affectionate and always hugs us when we visit.
He gave his daughter an affectionate pat on the head before leaving for work.
Cats can be surprisingly affectionate once they learn to trust you.
Words that go with affectionate
adjective + noun
- affectionate relationshipThe film shows the affectionate relationship between a boy and his grandfather.
- affectionate nicknameFans gave the young striker an affectionate nickname after his first goal.
- affectionate hugShe greeted her old primary school teacher with an affectionate hug.
- affectionate gestureHolding someone's hand is a simple affectionate gesture that can calm them down.
adjective + preposition
- affectionate towardsOur dog is affectionate towards children but nervous around strangers.
adverb + adjective
- openly affectionateYoung couples in Hanoi are more openly affectionate in public than they used to be.