affectionate or loving

Question

I have been looking up the word "cariñoso" in the dictionary and I have found two results: loving and affectionate.

The problem is that in Spanish the word "loving" sounds strange because we relate to the word "lover".

And the word "affectionate" sounds like "affectation".

I would like to know your opinions about these two words and to know in which contexts or sentences these two words can be used.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Affectionate specifically, I think, is used to described someone who often expresses their love physically by giving hugs, holding hands, kisses, pets etc. "John is very affectionate; he always wants to hold his girldfriend's hand and stroke her hair.."

Loving is used to describe someone who expresses their love, romantic or platonic alike, tenderly and often. "Her loving parents supported her through very difficult times."

You can call your mother both affectionate and loving without any odd, romantic undertones.

Great explanation! - --Mariana--, Feb 6, 2010

Answer 2

Loving doesn't necessarily refer to sexual or romantic love. Usually it refers to someone who shows great concern. Amorous refers to sexual and romantic love more specficially. It is might be more of what your thinking of in your case.

"Amorous". Ah, a good piece of information. I haven't thought about that. - nila45, Feb 6, 2010

Answer 3

This is from http://dictionary.reference.com/ affectionate –1. showing, indicating, or characterized by affection or love; fondly tender: an affectionate embrace.
2. having great affection or love; warmly attached; loving: your affectionate brother.

loving – feeling or showing love; warmly affectionate; fond: loving glances.

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The word "affectation" is not a commonly used word in english, at least it's not one that I have ever heard in a normal, every day conversation. "Affectionate", however, is very widely used as is "loving". "Loving" is not necessarily taken as being related to the word "lover" and can just as easily be used to describe a parent. I agree with Dandi that "affectionate" tends to be taken more as physical, though not necessarily romantic, expressions of love. Though, really the words can be used almost interchangeably.

Answer 4

Hello Nila:

They mean pretty much the same thing.

I usually associate the word "affectionate" with a friendly dog.

I agree, they are basically interchangeable. - 00e8f2fa, Feb 6, 2010

Really? You associate the word "affectionate" with a friendly dog. Je, je. That sounds funny to me. I do not know why. - nila45, Feb 6, 2010

Answer 5

Carinoso is the milder form of amoroso. I think that amoroso better describes "loving" and carinoso better describes "caring" or "affectionate".