What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affectionate
Example
She gave her son an affectionate hug before he left for school. [affectionate: adjective]
Example
He spoke in an affectionate tone, assuring her that everything would be okay. [affectionate: adjective]
fond
Example
I have fond memories of spending time with my grandparents. [fond: adjective]
Example
She is fond of her cat and spends a lot of time playing with it. [fond: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fond is more commonly used than affectionate in everyday language. Fond is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while affectionate is less common and is typically used in more formal or intimate situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affectionate and fond?
Affectionate is more formal than fond, which is often used in casual conversation. Therefore, affectionate is more appropriate in formal or intimate situations, while fond is more suitable for casual conversations or everyday use.