-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

affection

uh-FEK-shuhn/əˈfekʃn/

Warm feelings of care or attachment toward someone or something.

The grandfather and granddaughter show their affection with a warm hug.

Black grandfather and granddaughter share a warm affectionate hug.

Etymology

afLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+fectLatindo, make

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

From “doing something to” came the idea of a resulting state or disposition. In Latin, “disposition” developed into “good disposition” and devoted attachment, providing the bridge to fondness and tender feeling.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain467:45

the love of virtue the feelings of happiness and affection with which my whole being overflowed

1800s Fiction Audiobook: Mary Shelley - Frankenstein

More examples

He remembers his first teacher with great affection.
Her affection for the seaside town never faded.
The puppy quickly won the family's affections.

Forms

affection · affections

affectionate adjective — Showing warm feelings of care or fondness.

Similar words

fondness: Often suggests gentle liking rather than deeply expressed care.
love: Usually suggests a stronger or more encompassing emotional attachment.