Adorableness: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Adorableness' comes from 'adorable,' which is derived from the Latin word 'adorabilis,' meaning worthy of being adored.
• The suffix '-ness' is added to adjectives to form nouns that express a state or quality.
• The word 'adorable' itself became popular in English in the 19th century, emphasizing traits that inspire affection.

Psychology

• Research shows that persons perceive cute faces (like those of infants or puppies) to stimulate nurturing instincts.
• The phenomenon of adorableness can trigger the release of oxytocin, the 'love hormone' in our brains, making us feel happier.
• Cute stimuli often lead to a positive emotional response, enhancing mood and even productivity.

Culture

• In popular culture, the concept of adorableness is heavily exploited in marketing, with brands using cute mascots to attract customers.
• Social media platforms often emphasize adorableness through viral videos of pets and babies, creating a shared cultural moment.
• Many art forms, including animation and children's books, intentionally create characters designed to invoke feelings of adorableness.

Literature

• In children's literature, characters that display adorableness often embody innocence and evoke empathy from readers.
• Classic works, like 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit,' use adorableness to endear animal characters to young readers.
• Authors often link adorableness to themes of companionship and love, making these stories resonate emotionally.

Biology

• Certain traits associated with adorableness, such as big eyes and small noses, are tied to evolutionary biology, evoking caregiving in humans.
• Animal species often display adorableness (like cuteness in kittens) as a way to garner protection from potential threats.
• Adorableness in animals can be crucial for species survival; for example, newborns are often instinctively cared for due to their appealing features.