endear

[en-deer]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dear, esteemed, or beloved.

   He endeared himself to his friends with his gentle ways.

2. Obsolete.,  to make costly.

endear

/ ɪnˈdɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to be beloved or esteemed

Other Word Forms

• unendeared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + dear ¹

Example Sentences

But naturally the actors are not portraying them in the guise of the movie’s endearing dolts.

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He’s staying clean and projecting a quirky charm that endears him to others — initially, at least.

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Yet Depay has endeared himself to fans for reasons beyond the pitch.

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However, roses on my birthday, coinciding with the anniversary of our infamous sailing date, and our exchanges of “I love you,” did endear him to me.

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Bell has an infectious optimism, an endearing love of her craft and is impressively clear in what makes her tick.

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Related Words

• captivate 
• cherish