Affectionate, a.
Etymology: [Cf. F. affectionné.]
1. Having affection or warm regard; loving; fond; as, an affectionate brother.
2. Kindly inclined; zealous. [Obs.] Johson. Man, in his love God, and desire to please him, can never be too affectionate. Sprat.
3. Proceeding from affection; indicating love; tender; as, the affectionate care of a parent; affectionate countenance, message, language.
4. Strongly inclined; -- with to. [Obs.] Bacon.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Tender; attached; loving; devoted; warm; fond; earnest; ardent.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for affectionate; he lists it under friendly.
Where he writes about it:
Affectionate, devoted, and tender are almost always used in a high and good sense; as, an affectionate son; a devoted friend; "the tender mercy of our God," Luke i, 78. — from friendly