affeccion

Affection, in Spanish commonly written as afección (with accent) and in English as affection, denotes a feeling of fondness or tenderness toward someone or something. It can refer to emotional attachment in intimate relationships, among family and friends, or toward pets, objects, or places. Affection is often expressed through warmth, caring actions, verbal affirmations, and physical closeness, such as smiling, comforting touch, or supportive behavior.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin affectio and has cognates in several languages. In Spanish, afección can also denote a medical condition or illness affecting a person or body part, a sense not normally used in English. In psychology and everyday speech, affection is distinguished from romantic love or loyalty by its broader, milder, and more pervasive sense of warmth and attachment.

Context and variation: Expressions of affection vary across cultures and individuals, influenced by norms, language, and upbringing. Some cultures favor explicit verbal praise; others emphasize nonverbal cues. Related terms include fondness, tenderness, warmth, and attachment, which describe related emotional states without implying a specific relationship.