endearing

American  

[en-deer-ing] / ɛnˈdɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. tending to make dear or beloved.

2. manifesting or evoking affection.

   an endearing smile.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of endearing

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Coppola doesn’t come off as much of a prize, either, but he’s somehow endearing in his shaggy-dog enthusiasm, never throwing away an idea before becoming diverted by the next.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even when a potato pancake failed to flip on camera and spilled onto the stove, she accepted the mistake with grace, endearing her to similarly mishap-prone home cooks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Moreover, though stories about starting all over again in one’s dotage are endearing and kindly, as “Calle Málaga” is, they have a core of sheer fantasy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because there is such scant biographical information available, this is especially valuable and endearing.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s an endearing public image signifying how much fun he is having in his senior season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captivating
• charming