wave of affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of affection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of love or warmth towards someone or something. Example: "As she walked into the room, a wave of affection washed over him, reminding him of all the good times they had shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But he departed the stage with a wave of affection and sympathy, his reputation for dignity and courage intact.

Independent

He was swept to power in 2010, partly on a wave of affection for his late mother, Corazon Aquino, the first president after the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

The Economist

Forced by illness to miss three consecutive events, he returned in June for a final appearance, and was greeted by a wave of affection.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's hardly a cruel and unexpected blow when a man of 96 dies, but that didn't stop great waves of affection and regret billowing through parliament today when we heard about Michael Foot.

The Guardian

Whether Big Brother producer Endemol will ever prompt the wave of nostalgic affection generated by its neighbouring west London site, closed after 53 years, remains to be seen.

The Guardian

A German-language, heavy metal version of Waterloo is top-drawer filler to have in reserve, and it's greeted by a wave of audience affection that Bailey surfs back to safety.

The Guardian

His best films are 20-plus years in the past but he continues to ride a wave of critical affection based on fond memories of movies seen long ago.

Huffington Post

I experienced a wave of nostalgic affection when I sighted the familiar features of Beaker, Animal and Sam the Eagle, and there are some solid jokes and gags scattered throughout the first two episodes.

Huffington Post

Wherever he went, he drew large crowds of church members waving white handkerchiefs, a sign of affection that began in Chile and spread.

The New York Times

This is the quiet voice inside of us that pleads, "Don't make waves, don't make others uncomfortable with our displays of affection.

Huffington Post

But he also senses other waves — of grief, beauty, affection, and love — and is moved by them, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of affection" to describe a sudden, intense feeling of love or fondness towards someone or something, often in response to a specific event or memory.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of affection" to describe mild or fleeting feelings; reserve it for moments of significant emotional intensity. Using a milder term like "slight fondness" is preferable for less dramatic situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of affection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong feeling, similar to how Ludwig shows it in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wave of affection" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden, strong feeling of love or fondness. As Ludwig AI shows, it is most commonly found in News & Media and descriptive writing, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is advisable to use it to describe significant emotional intensity rather than mild sentiments, and alternatives such as "outburst of fondness" or "rush of tenderness" can be used to add nuance. Although Ludwig confirms its correctness, bear in mind this expression it is not very frequent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outburst of fondness

Focuses on the sudden and expressive release of warm feelings.

rush of tenderness

Emphasizes the gentle and caring aspect of the emotion.

flood of warmth

Highlights the comforting and pleasant sensation associated with affection.

surge of love

Emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the feeling.

display of ardor

Implies a passionate and enthusiastic expression of love.

show of endearment

Focuses on the act of demonstrating affection.

influx of adoration

Highlights the reverential and admiring aspect of affection.

swell of goodwill

Emphasizes the positive and benevolent feelings towards someone.

gush of sentimentality

Implies an excessive or exaggerated display of emotion.

groundswell of appreciation

Focuses on the gradual accumulation of positive feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of affection" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of affection" to describe a sudden, strong feeling of love or fondness. For example: "A "wave of affection" washed over her as she watched her children play."

What are some alternatives to "wave of affection"?

Alternatives include "outburst of fondness", "rush of tenderness", or "surge of love", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wave of affection" a formal or informal expression?

"Wave of affection" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the literary or descriptive.

Can "wave of affection" be used to describe feelings towards objects or concepts?

Yes, "wave of affection" can describe feelings towards objects, concepts, or memories, not just people. For example: "A "wave of affection" overcame him as he looked at his old car."