Affectionate means showing love, warmth, or fondness through actions and words. An affectionate parent might give their child a hug before school, ruffle their hair, or say “I love you” at bedtime. An affectionate dog greets you with a wagging tail and enthusiastic licks. When you're affectionate with someone, you express genuine care and tenderness toward them.

The word describes both the feelings you have and how you show them. You might feel affection for your grandmother, but you demonstrate it by being affectionate: visiting her, holding her hand, or listening to her stories with real interest. Some people are naturally more affectionate than others. They give more hugs, use warmer tones of voice, or express their feelings more freely.

Being affectionate doesn't mean being overly emotional or dramatic. It simply means letting people you care about know that they matter to you. A coach can be affectionate by remembering details about players' lives and encouraging them sincerely. A friend can be affectionate by saving you a seat at lunch or remembering your birthday. Small gestures of affection often mean more than grand ones because they show consistent care.