Affectionate/əˈfekʃənət/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Warmth Use 'affectionate' to describe actions that express warmth and closeness. His words were so affectionate, I felt loved. Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Romantic 'Affectionate' can apply to friends and family, not just romantic partners. She's very affectionate with her grandparents. Pro Tip 3/3Genuine Feeling 'Affectionate' implies sincerity, not fake or polite niceness. Their affectionate interactions show their true friendship.