affectionately
UK: əˈfekʃənətli | US: əˈfekʃənətli
adv. in a way that shows warmth, tenderness, or fondness
adv. with deep emotional attachment
The word "affectionately" traces back to Latin affectionem (a state of being influenced or attached), derived from afficere (to affect or influence). The root affection entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of emotional attachment. The suffix -ate (from Latin -atus) often forms verbs or adjectives, while -ly (Old English -lice) converts adjectives into adverbs. Thus, "affectionately" evolved to describe actions performed with warmth or tenderness.
She signed the letter affectionately with "Love, Grandma."
The dog nuzzled its owner affectionately.
He spoke affectionately about his childhood memories.
They greeted each other affectionately after years apart.
The teacher patted the student’s shoulder affectionately.