French word

affection

Pronunciation

IPA/afɛksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfondness

Example

Elle garde beaucoup d'affection pour son grand-père.

She has a lot of fondness for her grandfather.

Illustration for affection (fondness)

More examples

Il montre de l'affection envers son chien.

He shows affection toward his dog.

Core concept

A gentle thread of attachment links someone to a loved person, a pet, or a familiar object.

Common phrases

  • montrer de l'affection

    show affection

  • avoir de l'affection pour quelqu'un

    have affection for someone

Similar words

amour: Deep and powerful love for a romantic partner or family member.
amitié: A feeling of closeness and trust between friends.
tendresse: Gentle, warm affection expressed with softness and care.
attachement: A lasting emotional bond with a particular person or place.

Definition in French

Sentiment de tendresse et d'attachement envers une personne, un animal ou un objet, souvent durable et non exclusivement romantique.

Word origin

The noun entered French through Old French affection from Latin affectio, whose meaning developed from a state or influence to a feeling of attachment.

Usage tips

  • French uses affection for family, friends, pets, and objects as well as romantic feelings, so it is less specifically romantic than amour.

Other meanings

  • attachmentnoun
  • likingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word