endearing

[en-deer-ing]

adjective

1. tending to make dear or beloved.

2. manifesting or evoking affection.

   an endearing smile.

Other Word Forms

• endearingly adverb
• self-endearing adjective
• unendearing adjective
• unendearingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearing¹

First recorded in 1615–25; endear + -ing ²

Example Sentences

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

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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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The stated intent is to share Bessie’s story when she no longer can, and surprisingly, everyone accepts this, perhaps because Squibb is too endearing to stay mad at.

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The Tesla board’s faith in Musk is, in a sense, endearing.

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He works hard for his laughs, sometimes too hard, but he’s an endearing imp — an overwhelmed freelancer trying to survive the unforgiving gig economy of his age.

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Related Words

• captivating 
• charming