affection
/ə'fekʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A gentle feeling of fondness, care, or liking: A positive emotional bond or warm sentiment directed towards someone or something. 2. (Archaic/Formal) A mental state or emotion: A feeling or emotion as a general concept. 3. (Archaic/Medical) A disease or ailment: A pathological condition of the body.
Usage
Affection is primarily used as a non-count noun to describe a general feeling of fondness. It can also be used as a count noun, often in formal or literary contexts, to refer to a specific instance or type of this feeling. It is commonly followed by the prepositions for or towards.
Examples
As a non-count noun (feeling of fondness):
- She shows great affection for her pets.
- The old friends greeted each other with obvious affection.
- He has a deep affection for the city where he grew up.
As a count noun (specific feeling/emotion - formal):
- Hope and fear are powerful human affections.
With prepositions:
- Her affection for her grandson is very touching.
- He felt a growing affection towards his new colleagues.
Advanced Usage
- Term of endearment: The word can be used directly as a form of address, though this is now somewhat old-fashioned.
- "Don't worry, my affection," he said soothingly.
- In philosophy/psychology: Refers to a state of feeling, emotion, or desire, as distinct from cognition and volition.
Variants and Related Words
- Affectionate (adjective): Showing fondness or tenderness; loving.
- He gave her an affectionate hug.
- Affectionately (adverb): In a way that displays fondness.
- She spoke affectionately about her teacher.
- Affect (verb - different meaning): To have an influence on or make a difference to.
- The bad weather did not affect our plans.
Synonyms
- Fondness: A liking or tenderness for someone or something.
- Liking: A feeling of regard or enjoyment.
- Warmth: The quality of being enthusiastic, affectionate, or kind.
- Care: Serious attention or consideration applied to someone's well-being.
- Love (stronger): An intense feeling of deep affection.
Idioms and Phrases
- To have/show affection for: To feel or demonstrate fondness towards someone or something.
- The dog has a lot of affection for its owner.
- To win/gain someone's affection: To cause someone to feel fondness or love for you.
- The puppy quickly won the affection of the whole family.
Noun
- a positive feeling of liking
- he had trouble expressing the affection he felt
- the child won everyone's heart
- the warmness of his welcome made us feel right at home