Showing or characterized by affection; disposed to show feelings of love or fondness.
From Latin 'affectus' (affected, impressed upon) combined with the suffix '-ious,' creating a quality descriptor. It represents an attempt to create an adjective meaning 'full of affection.'
This is a rare word trying to do what 'affectionate' does better—it's like watching a synonym that almost won the race but got tired halfway through and stayed obscure!
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