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

The unabashed, idiosyncratic freedom that Gladys exudes is likely part of what has endeared her to audiences.

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Once the film and soundtrack established reggae’s appeal, Mr. Cliff began making albums with a harder feel and stronger messages, though his voice was always soft and endearing.

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As the eponymous figure, a global Hollywood icon, Mr. Clooney is obtuse yet endearing as his character tries to reconnect with his young-adult daughter on a jaunt through Europe to an Italian film festival.

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It’s an approach that’s endeared him to his star collaborators and yielded songs as deep as Adele’s “To Be Loved,” a stunning meditation on the costs of divorce from her 2021 album “30.”

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“Christmas” is an endearing and ironic portrait of December in America.

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Related Words

• captivate 
• cherish