Affectionate

adj.kind, joyfulwarm

What it means

Openly showing fondness, tenderness, or loving care.

Reach for it when describing warmth that is expressed, not merely felt

Their affectionate grandfather saved every drawing and asked about each detail.

playful
cuddly
physical snuggling is the specific charming trait
not when Use affectionate for people or relationships where touch is not the focus.
everyday
fond
the feeling is genuine but restrained or lightly expressed
not when Fond often names an attitude, while affectionate highlights outward behavior.
everyday
warm
friendly emotional openness is present without strong intimacy
not when Warm can describe a welcome or manner that carries little personal affection.
warm
caring
attention to another person's welfare proves the feeling
not when Practical care can be dutiful even when affection is not displayed.
warm
loving
deep and enduring love is the clearest message
not when It may be too intimate for a colleague or a lightly fond relationship.
formal
demonstrative
emotion is shown openly through words or touch
not when Demonstrative behavior may be theatrical, conventional, or disconnected from loving feeling.
formal
devoted
steadfast loyalty and commitment matter more than visible tenderness
not when Brief warmth is affectionate but cannot establish devotion.
literary
tender
gentleness and emotional sensitivity define the affection
not when Lively hugs and teasing fondness may be affectionate without being tender.

affectionate nature
The dog's affectionate nature made her a favorite at the care home.
affectionate gesture
That affectionate gesture said more than the hurried farewell.
warmly affectionate
The memoir is warmly affectionate without hiding the family's arguments.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.