Dote Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
❤️
dote
[doʊt ]
Definitions
showing affection
To dote means to show excessive love or fondness for someone, often to the point of being overly indulgent. This term is commonly used when discussing the affection a parent or grandparent might show towards their children or grandchildren.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She doted on her grandchildren, showering them with gifts.
- He tends to dote on his wife, always planning surprises for her.
- The old lady was known to dote on her pets excessively.
obsolete term
Dote can also refer to a state of being foolish or excessively fond, derived from a time when the term was more allegorical in nature. This usage is largely historical and not commonly found in modern language.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- In his old age, he became a dote, forgetting the reality around him.
- Her friends often joked that she was a dote for spending so much time on trivial matters.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, characters that dote on others often serve to display the depth and complexities of human relationships.
- Shakespeare used the concept of doting in several plays to portray obsessive and passionate love.
- Classic novels often depict older characters doting on younger ones, showcasing generational love and care.
Psychology
- Psychological studies reveal that doting can sometimes lead to dependency in relationships, causing a lack of independence.
- Doting behavior is often linked to attachment styles, particularly in parental figures who want to ensure their children's happiness.
- While healthy affection is important, overly doting can hinder personal growth and emotional resilience.
Cultural Nuances
- In many cultures, doting is seen as a sign of love; however, the balance is crucial to avoid feelings of suffocation.
- Different cultures express doting in various ways, such as gifts, words of affirmation, or acts of service.
- In some societies, doting on elders is a sign of respect, emphasizing relational dynamics across age groups.
Pop Culture
- In television shows and movies, characters who dote often provide comic relief or serve as the nurturing archetype.
- Romantic comedies often portray doting behaviors as charming, leading to humorous or feel-good situations.
- The portrayal of doting in media can influence societal expectations around relationships and affectionate behavior.
Origin of 'dote'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'doten', which means to love or be fond of.
- Its roots are traced back to the Old English word 'dota', which also signifies a tender affection.
- The evolution of the word shows how societies have valued emotional connections through language.
The term 'dote' originates from the Middle English word 'doten', which means to act foolishly or be in a state of dotage. The etymology can be traced back to the Old English 'dotian', which conveys a sense of foolishness or becoming weak-minded due to age. As time progressed, 'dote' evolved to primarily describe the act of showing affection, especially in a manner that is excessive or even foolish. Its meanings have shifted over centuries, reflecting changes in cultural attitudes towards love and care, and becoming closely associated with familial bonds, particularly in the context of grandparental love.