Affectionate
/əˈfɛk.ʃən.ət/noun
Showing fondness or tenderness towards someone.
Did you know?The word 'affectionate' comes from the Latin 'affectio', which originally referred to a powerful emotional influence, reflecting the alchemical bond between feelings and actions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
affectio
“An emotional state or disposition, literally meaning 'to influence'.”
Old French
Old French
affection
“A feeling of fondness or tenderness, derived from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
affection
“A state of being affected or influenced emotionally.”
Modern English
English
affectionate
“To express warmth and fondness, evolved from earlier meanings of emotional influence.”