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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

While endearing to tennis fans, it has proved costly on the big stages.

From BBC

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captivating 
• charming