Affection refers to a gentle feeling of fondness, love, or tenderness towards someone or something. It is an emotional attachment that manifests through expressions of care, warmth, and closeness. Affection can be shown through physical gestures like hugging, kissing, or holding hands, as well as through words or actions that demonstrate kindness and concern. It is a fundamental emotion in relationships, whether between family members, friends, or romantic partners. In Indonesian, “affection” translates to “kasih sayang” or “perasaan sayang.”
Synonyms of “Affection”:
- Love (cinta)
- Fondness (kecintaan)
- Attachment (ikatan)
- Warmth (kehangatan)
- Tenderness (kelembutan)
- Care (perhatian)
- Devotion (pengabdian)
- Endearment (perasaan sayang)
- Sentiment (perasaan)
- Loyalty (kesetiaan)
Example Sentences Using “Affection”:
- She showed her affection for him through kind words and gentle gestures.
- The child’s affection for her pet was obvious as she hugged it tightly.
- They shared a deep affection for each other that grew over time.
- His affection for his family was evident in the sacrifices he made for them.
- She expressed her affection by cooking his favorite meal on his birthday.
- The elderly couple had been married for decades, their affection for each other never waning.
- His affection for his dog was clear as he always made time for walks and play.
- She felt a strong affection for the place where she had grown up.
- The teacher showed affection towards her students, always encouraging them to do their best.
- Even in difficult times, the couple’s affection for each other helped them persevere.
Related Words:
- Love (cinta)
- Tenderness (kelembutan)
- Caring (perhatian)
- Warmth (kehangatan)
- Compassion (belas kasih)
- Kindness (kebaikan)
- Devotion (pengabdian)
- Intimacy (kedekatan)
- Attachment (ikatan)
- Respect (penghormatan)
Antonyms of “Affection”:
- Indifference (ketidakpedulian)
- Hatred (kebencian)
- Hostility (permusuhan)
- Disdain (penghinaan)
- Coldness (kekakuan)
- Apathy (apatis)
- Disinterest (ketidaktertarikan)
- Loathing (kebencian)
- Contempt ( penghinaan)
- Neglect (pengabaian)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Affection”:
- Show affection – To express fondness or tenderness (“He always shows affection by giving thoughtful gifts.”)
- Look after – To take care of someone with affection (“She looks after her elderly parents with great affection.”)
- Care for – To have affection for someone (“She really cares for her friends and always supports them.”)
- Hold dear – To love and cherish someone or something (“I hold my family dear to my heart.”)
- Warm up to – To begin to feel affection for someone (“He started to warm up to the new colleagues after a few weeks.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Affection”:
- “Wear your heart on your sleeve” – To openly show your feelings or affection (“He wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows how much he loves her.”)
- “Be fond of” – To have affection for someone or something (“She’s really fond of her little brother.”)
- “A shoulder to cry on” – Someone who offers emotional support, affection, and comfort (“She was always there to be a shoulder to cry on whenever I needed it.”)
- “Fall for someone” – To develop romantic affection or love for someone (“I think he’s fallen for her ever since they met.”)
- “Have a soft spot for” – To have a particular affection or liking for someone or something (“He has a soft spot for animals and often volunteers at the shelter.”)
How to Cultivate Affection in Relationships
Developing and maintaining affection in relationships requires consistent efforts of kindness, empathy, and emotional connection:
- Express yourself – Let the people you care about know how much they mean to you through words or small gestures.
- Be attentive – Pay attention to your loved ones’ needs, desires, and emotions.
- Show physical affection – A simple hug, holding hands, or a pat on the back can communicate care and affection.
- Spend quality time – Engaging in shared activities strengthens bonds and increases affection.
- Offer support – Be there for your friends, family, or partner in times of need, showing that you care for them.
- Practice empathy – Understand and relate to the feelings of others, demonstrating that you are emotionally present for them.
Conclusion
Affection is a core element of human connection, bringing warmth, love, and a sense of belonging to our relationships. Whether between family members, friends, or romantic partners, affection nurtures trust, loyalty, and emotional support, helping individuals feel valued and understood. By expressing and cultivating affection, we enrich our lives and the lives of those we care about, creating stronger and more fulfilling bonds.
