What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affectionate
Example
The mother was affectionate towards her child, giving them hugs and kisses. [affectionate: adjective]
Example
He spoke in an affectionate tone to his partner, expressing his love for them. [affectionate: adjective]
tender
Example
She gave him a tender kiss on the forehead before leaving. [tender: adjective]
Example
The doctor showed tender care towards the patient, making sure they were comfortable. [tender: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Affectionate and tender are both commonly used in everyday language, but affectionate is more commonly used to describe relationships between family members or close friends, while tender can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affectionate and tender?
Both affectionate and tender are informal words that are used in casual conversations. However, tender can also be used in formal contexts to describe a gentle and caring approach towards someone or something.
