Endearing: meaning, definitions and examples

😊

Add to dictionary

endearing

[ɪnˈdɪərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

used to describe something cute or charming

Endearing is used to describe something that is cute, charming, or lovable. It often refers to qualities that make someone or something endearing, such as innocence, sweetness, or affection.

Synonyms

appealing, charming, lovable, sweet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
endearing	Used to describe something or someone that inspires affection and warmth. Often used when speaking about qualities or behaviors. Her awkward laugh was endearing to everyone in the group. The puppy’s clumsy steps were absolutely endearing.
charming	Used to describe someone or something that has a pleasant and attractive quality, often in a sophisticated or elegant way. The quaint village was charming, with its cobblestone streets and old-fashioned shops. He always knew how to be charming at social events.
lovable	Used to describe someone or something that is easy to love, often due to personal traits or endearing behavior. Despite his grumpiness, the old man was truly lovable. The teddy bear was a lovable gift for the child.
sweet	Used to describe someone or something that is gentle, kind, and pleasant. It can also be used as a term of affection. She always writes the sweetest notes to her friends. That was a very sweet thing to say.
appealing	Used to describe something attractive or interesting, often implying that it grabs attention or is aesthetically pleasing. The new design of the website is very appealing to users. Her proposal had several appealing points.

Examples of usage

Her endearing smile melted everyone's hearts.
The puppy's playful antics were endearing to all who met him.
His awkward charm was surprisingly endearing to those around him.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to make someone feel loved or cherished

When used as a verb, endearing means to make someone feel loved, cherished, or endeared to you. It involves showing affection, kindness, or charm in a way that creates a sense of closeness and connection.

Synonyms

captivate, charm, delight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
endearing	Used when describing a quality in someone that causes others to feel affection. Her endearing smile won everyone's heart. The puppy has an endearing habit of tilting its head.
charm	Used to describe the ability to attract, please, or intrigue others; can also have a more superficial or manipulative tone. He used his charm to win the jury's favor. The little village charms visitors with its quaint houses.
captivate	Often used to describe something or someone that holds your complete attention because of their beauty or charm. Her performance was so powerful that it captivated the entire audience. The novel captivates readers with its gripping plot.
delight	Used when describing something that brings great joy or pleasure. The children were delighted by the magician's tricks. Her surprise visit was a delightful experience for her parents.

Examples of usage

She endears herself to others with her kindness and generosity.
His thoughtful gestures never fail to endear him to those around him.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Endearing' comes from the word 'endear', which means to make someone loved or liked.
The term has roots in Middle English, where it was linked to the notion of making dear or cherished.
The original meaning tied closely to showing affection in romantic or familial relationships.

Pop Culture

Many movies and books use endearing characters, like the lovable sidekick who brings humor and warmth to the story.
Cartoon animals are often designed to be endearing, making them more appealing to audiences, especially children.
Social media is filled with endearing videos of pets doing funny things, capturing hearts worldwide.

Psychology

People are often drawn to endearing traits in others, which can foster friendships and romantic relationships.
Endearing behaviors, like kindness and humor, can significantly enhance social bonds and interpersonal connections.
Studies show that things deemed endearing can trigger positive emotions, leading to increased happiness.

Literature

In many classic novels, endearing characters often represent innocence or purity, eliciting sympathy from readers.
Endearing themes are prevalent in children's literature, promoting lessons on love, friendship, and compassion.
Authors often use endearing dialogue or actions to create deeper emotional connections between characters.

History

Throughout history, figures like Mother Teresa have been described as endearing due to their selfless actions and compassion.
Endearing symbols, such as hearts and flowers, have been used in art across different cultures to represent love and affection.
The concept of what is considered endearing has evolved with cultural changes over generations, reflecting societal values.

Translations

Translations of the word "endearing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantador

🇮🇳 मोहक

🇩🇪 liebenswert

🇮🇩 menawan

🇺🇦 чарівний

🇵🇱 uroczy

🇯🇵 愛らしい

🇫🇷 adorable

🇪🇸 encantador

🇹🇷 sevimli

🇰🇷 사랑스러운

🇸🇦 محبوب

🇨🇿 roztomilý

🇸🇰 roztomilý

🇨🇳 可爱

🇸🇮 očarljiv

🇮🇸 heillandi

🇰🇿 әсем

🇬🇪 მომხიბლავი

🇦🇿 sevimli

🇲🇽 encantador

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,545, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21542 mimicry
21543 harbored
21544 posthumously
21545 endearing
21546 inbreeding
21547 hardiness
21548 torturing
...