1. in a manner that is tender, gentle, and affectionate; with caresses or soft touches
Usage: literary or formal register

Examples

• She caressively stroked his hair as he rested his head on her shoulder.
• The breeze moved caressively across the surface of the lake.
• He spoke caressively to the frightened child, trying to calm her fears.
• The musician's fingers moved caressively over the violin strings.
• She caressively brushed the dust from his jacket.
• The waves lapped caressively against the shore.
• He looked at her caressively, his eyes full of warmth and affection.