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Cosseting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cosseting

[ˈkɒs.ɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

treating with care

To cosset someone means to protect and pamper them, treating them with excessive care and attention. This often implies indulging someone, sometimes to the point of spoiling them.

Synonyms

coddle, indulge, pamper, spoil.

Examples of usage

  • The parents were cossetting their child with gifts.
  • She enjoys cosseting her pets on rainy days.
  • He spent his retirement cosseting his garden.
Context #2 | Noun

act of pampering

Cosseting can also refer to the act of pampering or spoiling someone. It denotes a nurturing approach, often leading to a dependency on such treatment.

Synonyms

coddling, indulgence, pampering.

Examples of usage

  • Her cosseting was evident in how she handled her grandchildren.
  • The cosseting of the young athletes was evident in their training environment.
  • His cosseting of the struggling artist helped her find her style.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Connotations

  • In parenting discussions, cosseting may refer to overprotecting children, emphasizing a balance between care and independence.
  • Some literature describes characters that are constantly cosseted, revealing themes of privilege and the impact of excessive nurturing.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that while being cosseted can enhance feelings of security, it may also lead to dependency in relationships.
  • In therapy, understanding the balance between cosseting and promoting autonomy can be vital for healthy emotional development.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters who were overly cosseted by their parents, leading to humorous yet unfortunate situations as adults.
  • Popular children's books frequently feature characters that are cosseted by their animals, teaching lessons about love and care.

Literature

  • Classic English novels often feature characters who are cosseted, which can illustrate societal views on class and family dynamics.
  • Modern poetry sometimes uses the concept of cosseting to reflect on themes of love and protection in relationships.

Origin of 'cosseting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the late 19th century, derived from the Scottish word 'cosset' meaning 'to pet or to fondle'.
  • Related to the Old French term 'cocette', which means 'a pet lamb', illustrating its ties to tenderness and care.

The word 'cosset' originated from the late Middle English term 'cosset', which meant a lamb or a pet lamb, derived from the Old Welsh word 'cws'. This usage reflects the notion of tenderness and care associated with raising a young animal. Over time, the verb form evolved, taking on the broader meaning of pampering or nurturing someone in a protective or indulgent manner. This development mirrors cultural attitudes towards care and attachment, where 'cosseting' became synonymous with an excessive or overly protective approach to nurturing, especially in familial or intimate relationships. The transition from a specific animal reference to a broader human context highlights changing societal norms regarding care and the dynamics of dependence.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,633, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.