Endear: meaning, definitions and examples
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endear
[ɪnˈdɪər ]
Definitions
affectionate
To cause to be loved or regarded with affection; make dear or precious.
Synonyms
appreciate, cherish, treasure, value.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| endear |
Used when describing how someone makes themselves beloved or attractive to another person, often through their actions, personality, or behavior.
|
| cherish |
Used when talking about holding something or someone dear with great affection, care, and love, often implying a sense of wanting to protect and keep it close.
|
| treasure |
When you want to describe holding something very precious and valuable to oneself, often implying deep emotional value and careful preservation.
|
| value |
Used to describe an appreciation for the worth or importance of something or someone, recognizing their usefulness, quality, or importance.
|
| appreciate |
Appropriate for expressing recognition and gratitude for something or someone, often due to their qualities, efforts, or significance.
|
Examples of usage
- The little girl's sweet smile endeared her to everyone she met.
- His kindness and generosity endeared him to his colleagues.
- Her witty sense of humor endeared her to all of her friends.
cute
To make dear, esteemed, or beloved.
Synonyms
captivate, charm, delight, enchant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| endear |
Use 'endear' when you want to describe someone or something becoming beloved or cherished by others. It often carries a sense of growing affection over time.
|
| captivate |
Use 'captivate' when someone or something grabs and holds the attention or interest of others, often quite intensely and immediately.
|
| charm |
Use 'charm' to describe the way someone wins others over with their attractiveness, manner, or personal qualities. This word can also refer to a pleasant or attractive feature of a place.
|
| enchant |
Use 'enchant' when describing a magical or spellbinding quality that holds someone's interest or admiration. This often gives a sense of otherworldly appeal.
|
| delight |
Use 'delight' when something brings great pleasure or joy to others. It emphasizes happiness and enjoyment.
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Examples of usage
- The puppy's playful antics endeared it to the whole family.
- His awkward charm endeared him to his classmates.
- The old man's wisdom and warmth endeared him to the neighborhood.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'indieran', meaning to bring near or hold close.
- It shares its roots with the word 'dear', which has connotations of love and value.
Literature
- In literature, characters often endear themselves to readers through acts of kindness, bravery, or love.
- Famous authors like Jane Austen used the theme of endearment to develop romantic relationships in their stories.
Psychology
- Research shows that acts of kindness can significantly improve relationships between people.
- The feeling of being endeared to someone can lead to stronger emotional ties and trust.
Cultural Expressions
- Many cultures have specific rituals or phrases that express endearing feelings, such as pet names or affectionate gestures.
- In romantic relationships, using terms of endearment can strengthen bonds and deepen emotional intimacy.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often use affectionate language to endear themselves to their love interests, creating memorable moments.
- Songs that express love often use terms meant to endear, showcasing the connection between music and emotions.
Translations
Translations of the word "endear" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cativar
🇮🇳 मोह लेना
🇩🇪 bezaubern
🇮🇩 membuat terpesona
🇺🇦 зачаровувати
🇵🇱 urzekać
🇯🇵 魅了する (miryō suru)
🇫🇷 charmer
🇪🇸 encantar
🇹🇷 büyülemek
🇰🇷 매혹하다 (maehokhada)
🇸🇦 يسحر (yusahir)
🇨🇿 okouzlit
🇸🇰 očariť
🇨🇳 使人喜爱 (shǐ rén xǐ'ài)
🇸🇮 očarati
🇮🇸 heilla
🇰🇿 баурап алу
🇬🇪 მოხიბვლა (mokhibvla)
🇦🇿 məftun etmək
🇲🇽 encantar