Affection
n.kind, joyfulwarm
What it means
A gentle, lasting warmth toward someone or something familiar.
Reach for it when naming fond care that is sincere without necessarily being romantic
Marta showed affection by saving her grandfather the sunniest chair.
Choose between these
6- playful
soft spot
an informal admission of special liking fits the tone
not when A soft spot can coexist with criticism and sounds unserious in a tribute.
- everyday
the bond is deeper, broader, or more committed
not when Love can be too strong for a pleasant attachment.
- everyday
friendly feeling is conveyed through manner or welcome
not when Warmth can extend to strangers without personal attachment.
- warm
quiet liking has grown through familiarity
not when Fondness is lighter and may not include active care.
- formal
loyal commitment and service define the bond
not when Devotion suggests greater constancy and sacrifice than affection.
- literary
gentle care is heightened by vulnerability
not when Tenderness may arise in one moment rather than endure.
Said against
3- hostility
- aversion
- indifference
It naturally appears in
3- show affection
The brothers show affection through practical favors.
- deep affection
She retained a deep affection for the seaside town.
- with affection
The retiring nurse was remembered with affection.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun sense: feeling of fondness or love opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.