What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cathection
Example
She felt a strong cathection towards her childhood home. [cathection: noun]
Example
His cathection for his pet dog was evident in the way he cared for it. [cathection: noun]
affection
Example
She showed affection towards her younger sister by giving her a hug. [affection: noun]
Example
He expressed his affection for his girlfriend by buying her flowers. [affection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Affection is more commonly used than cathection in everyday language. Affection is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while cathection is a more specialized term mainly used in psychology or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cathection and affection?
While cathection is a more formal term, affection can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Affection is suitable for everyday conversations, whereas cathection is more commonly used in professional or technical settings.