Doting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the 16th-century term 'dote', which means to show excessive love or fondness.
• In Middle English, 'doten' referred to being foolishly in love, indicating a strong emotional attachment.
• The transformation into 'doting' indicates a shift from merely being in love to actively expressing that love.

Psychology

• Doting behavior is often seen in parental roles, where care and attention can build strong emotional bonds.
• While doting can create a nurturing environment, an excessive dose can lead to issues such as over-dependence in children.
• Psychological studies show that children raised in doting environments may have higher self-esteem due to the constant affirmation they receive.

Pop Culture

• In many romantic films, characters often exhibit doting behavior as a sign of true love and commitment.
• Doting has become a popular trope in literature, showcasing characters devoted to others, creating drama and emotional depth.
• Famous characters like Mrs. Weasley from the 'Harry Potter' series embody doting qualities through their nurturing and supportive nature.

Literature

• Classic novels often portray doting figures as nurturing mothers or guardians, emphasizing the importance of love in character development.
• In Shakespeare’s works, characters who dote often bring about crucial turning points, highlighting the power of love and attention.
• Modern literature often contrasts the idea of doting with more complex parental figures to explore themes of independence and attachment.

At rank #27,701, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27698 warding
• 27699 chatty
• 27700 unconverted
• 27701 doting
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