Darling: meaning, definitions and examples

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darling

[ˈdɑːrlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

affectionate term

Darling is a term of endearment used to express love and affection towards someone. It is often used between romantic partners or close family members.

Synonyms

dear, honey, love, sweetheart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
darling	Typically used to refer to someone you have romantic feelings for, or as a form of endearment for someone you care about deeply. Good morning, my darling. Did you sleep well? Don't be sad, darling, I'll be home soon.
sweetheart	Used to express endearment, commonly in romantic relationships, but it can also apply to children or close friends. It suggests a warm and affectionate bond. Sweetheart, can you help me with this? Come here, sweetheart, and give me a hug.
honey	Frequently used as a term of affection between partners, but can also be used with children or close friends in an informal and caring manner. Honey, don't forget to pick up some milk on your way home. It's okay, honey, everyone makes mistakes.
dear	Used to address someone you care about, commonly seen in both romantic and non-romantic contexts, such as letters or polite conversation. Dear John, I hope this letter finds you well. Are you feeling okay, dear?
love	Often used as a term of affection in romantic relationships. It can also be seen in informal friendly contexts, particularly in British English. Goodbye, love. I'll miss you. What can I get for you, love?

Examples of usage

She whispered "I love you, darling" in his ear.
He always calls her darling when he wants to cheer her up.
I'll see you later, darling.
Don't worry, darling, everything will be okay.
Goodnight, my darling.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

favorite person

Darling can also refer to someone who is particularly loved, cherished, or admired by another person.

Synonyms

beloved, favorite, gem, treasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
darling	Used to address someone lovingly, often in romantic relationships or close family relationships. Good morning, darling! Darling, can you help me with this?
favorite	Used to describe something or someone that is preferred over others, often in casual conversations. Pizza is my favorite food. That's my favorite movie.
beloved	Used to refer to someone or something that is deeply loved or cherished, often in formal or literary contexts. She is my beloved wife. This is a story about a beloved pet.
treasure	Used to describe something or someone highly valued, often implying rarity and great importance. This old photograph is a family treasure. He is a treasure to our community.
gem	Used to describe something or someone precious, valuable or of high quality, often in personal or professional contexts. She's a real gem of a friend. That idea is a gem; we should explore it further.

Examples of usage

She's his darling, he would do anything for her.
He's always been the darling of the family.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

lovable

Darling can be used as an adjective to describe someone or something as lovable, charming, or dear.

Synonyms

charming, cute, dear, lovable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
darling	Usually used as a term of endearment for someone you love or care deeply about. It can be used romantically or affectionately. Good morning, my darling. Come here, darling, and give me a hug.
lovable	Describes someone who is easy to love because of their kind and endearing qualities. Often used to highlight someone's heartwarming traits. He is such a lovable character. Her lovable nature makes everyone want to be around her.
charming	Describes someone who has an attractive and pleasing personality. Often used when someone behaves in a kind and polite manner. He was so charming at the dinner party. Her charming smile won everyone over.
dear	A term of affection that can be used for loved ones, friends, or even in a formal context. It often conveys warmth and fondness. Thank you, dear, for your help. My dear friend, I miss you.
cute	Describes someone or something that is attractive in a pretty or endearing way. Often used for children, animals, or small objects. What a cute puppy! She looks so cute in that dress.

Examples of usage

She has such a darling smile.
This kitten is absolutely darling.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'darling' comes from the Old English word 'dierling,' meaning 'darling' or 'dear.'
It has been used since the 16th century to express affection and endearment.

Cultural Significance

In English-speaking countries, it's a common term of endearment used in romantic relationships and friendships.
In literature, many famous authors have used it to convey deep affection, emphasizing the bond between characters.

Pop Culture

The term 'darling' frequently appears in songs, often expressing love and devotion, making it a staple in romantic ballads.
Iconic movie characters often refer to their love interests as 'darling,' adding to the emotion of pivotal scenes.

Psychology

Using affectionate language like 'darling' can strengthen social bonds and improve relationships by creating a sense of intimacy.
Terms of endearment are often associated with positive feelings and can reinforce love and attachment between individuals.

Literature

Many classic novels feature 'darling' as a way for characters to express their love, depicting the emotional depth of relationships.
The term appears in significant poems, illustrating how language can evoke strong feelings of love and nostalgia.

Translations

Translations of the word "darling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 querido

🇮🇳 प्रिय (priya)

🇩🇪 Liebling

🇮🇩 sayang

🇺🇦 коханий

🇵🇱 kochanie

🇯🇵 ダーリン (dārin)

🇫🇷 chéri

🇪🇸 querido

🇹🇷 sevgili

🇰🇷 사랑 (sarang)

🇸🇦 حبيبي (habibi)

🇨🇿 miláček

🇸🇰 miláčik

🇨🇳 亲爱的 (qīn'ài de)

🇸🇮 dragi

🇮🇸 ástin

🇰🇿 жаным

🇬🇪 ძვირფასო (dzvirphaso)

🇦🇿 əzizim

🇲🇽 querido

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,680 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8677 stiffness
8678 tackle
8679 hinder
8680 darling
8681 pillow
8682 gloomy
8683 applause
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