Cute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
cute
[kjuหt ]
Definitions
animal description
Attractive in a pretty or endearing way.
Synonyms
adorable, charming, lovable, sweet.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cute |
Use 'cute' to describe someone or something that is attractive in a youthful, playful, or endearing way. It's often used for babies, small animals, or pretty objects.
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adorable |
Use 'adorable' to describe someone or something that inspires great affection or delight, often in a more intense way than 'cute'. It can be used similarly for babies, animals, and charming people.
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charming |
Use 'charming' to describe someone with an engaging and charismatic personality or something that is quaint and pleasing. This word often applies to people, places, or behaviors.
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sweet |
Use 'sweet' to describe someone or something that is pleasing and kind, often referring to personality, actions, or gestures. It can be used for both people and pets.
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lovable |
Use 'lovable' for someone or something that easily attracts love or affection. It often refers to qualities that make a person or animal endearing over time.
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Examples of usage
- She has a cute little dog.
- The baby looks so cute in that outfit.
appearance description
Pleasing and attractive, especially because of a childlike charm.
Synonyms
appealing, delightful, engaging, winsome.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cute |
Frequently used to describe someone or something that is charming in a youthful or childish way. Can be used for people, animals, or objects that invoke affection.
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appealing |
Used to describe something that attracts interest, desire, or visual pleasure. Often used in contexts relating to marketing, aesthetics, or personal preferences.
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engaging |
Used to describe something or someone that is very interesting or attractive in a way that holds your attention. Suitable for conversations, activities, or personalities.
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winsome |
Describes a charming and pleasing quality that often seems innocent or naive. Suitable for describing people with an endearing, gentle character.
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delightful |
Refers to something that gives great pleasure or joy. Can be used for experiences, people, and objects that evoke positive feelings.
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Examples of usage
- She had a cute smile.
- The kitten's playful antics were very cute.
affectionate term
An affectionate term of address.
Synonyms
darling, dear, love, sweetheart.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
cute |
This word is often used to describe someone or something that looks charming and attractive in a youthful, small, or sweet way.
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sweetheart |
Typically used as a term of endearment in romantic relationships or to express affection towards children. Often implies tenderness and care.
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darling |
Used as a term of endearment for someone you have affectionate feelings for, typically in a romantic or family context.
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dear |
A polite or affectionate way to refer to someone, often used in letters, or by family members. Can sometimes imply formal affection.
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love |
Used as a term of endearment in casual speech, often in romantic relationships but also in friendly or family contexts. Very common in British English.
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Examples of usage
- Hey, cutie!
- You're such a cutie pie.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that looking at 'cute' images can boost productivity and improve focus.
- The 'cute response' is a psychological phenomenon where cute stimuli trigger feelings of warmth and caregiving.
- Studies show that people find 'cute' features (like big eyes) universally appealing, linking them to perceived innocence.
Pop Culture
- The 'kawaii' culture in Japan celebrates cuteness, influencing fashion, toys, and even food designs.
- Many animated characters, like Pikachu from Pokรฉmon, are designed to be 'cute' to attract audiences, especially children.
- Social media platforms often feature viral 'cute animal' videos, creating trends around cuteness that garner millions of views.
Literature
- In children's literature, 'cute' characters are often used to teach moral lessons, like kindness and friendship.
- The idea of cuteness sometimes appears in poetry, symbolizing innocence and purity.
- Authors often create 'cute' characters to create empathy and resonance with the audience.
Sociocultural Impact
- Cuteness can have significant effects on social interactions; people are often drawn to 'cute' individuals, fostering kindness.
- In advertising, brands use 'cute' images to attract consumers, believing it can enhance their product appeal.
- Various studies document how people will go out of their way to help 'cute' animals or babies, demonstrating societyโs nurturing instinct.
Origin of 'cute'
Main points about word origin
- 'Cute' originated in the 18th century as a short form of 'acute', which originally meant clever or sharp.
- It was first recorded in the sense of something being endearing around the 1830s, showing how language evolves.
- Over time, it shifted from describing intelligence to describing a charming appearance.
The word 'cute' originated in the 18th century from the shortening of 'acute' to 'cute'. Originally, it was used to describe sharp or clever wit. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe things that are attractive or endearing, particularly in a childlike way. Today, 'cute' is a widely used term to express affection or admiration for someone or something.
See also: cut, cutaway, cutback, cuticle, cutie, cutlass, cutlery, cutlet, cutoff, cutout, cutter, cutters, cutthroat, cutting, cuttings, intercut, offcuts, undercut.