Affection
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.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
soft spot
Fits when an informal admission of special liking fits the tone
Careful A soft spot can coexist with criticism and sounds unserious in a tribute.
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everyday
Fits when the bond is deeper, broader, or more committed
Careful Love can be too strong for a pleasant attachment.
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everyday
Fits when friendly feeling is conveyed through manner or welcome
Careful Warmth can extend to strangers without personal attachment.
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warm
Fits when quiet liking has grown through familiarity
Careful Fondness is lighter and may not include active care.
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formal
Fits when loyal commitment and service define the bond
Careful Devotion suggests greater constancy and sacrifice than affection.
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literary
Fits when gentle care is heightened by vulnerability
Careful Tenderness may arise in one moment rather than endure.
Opposites 3
- hostility
- aversion
- indifference
Common phrases 3
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show affection
The brothers show affection through practical favors.
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deep affection
She retained a deep affection for the seaside town.
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with affection
The retiring nurse was remembered with affection.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated