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

+fectLatinto do, make

+ionLatinstate

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.