endearing

American  

[en-deer-ing] / ɛnˈdɪər ɪŋ /

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

Etymology

Origin of endearing

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

Example Sentences

Tom Nolan notes that the author “interweaves her endearing characters’ voices in wonderful ways” in her arresting debut work.

From The Wall Street Journal

And gradually it dawned on all of us that this endearing man was at the Beje to stay.

From Literature

Grace dubs his new friend “Rocky,” and their trans-galactically nutty friendship is one of the most endearing relationships between man and thing since Tom Hanks met Wilson the volleyball in “Cast Away.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Okrent portrays Sondheim as witty and endearing, but also poorly groomed, remote, caustic, quick to anger — and, mostly, quick to forgive.

From Los Angeles Times

The Sun's Felicity Cross gave it five stars, saying that despite being "awkward", it was "endearing, and full of fun banter".

From BBC

Related Words

• captivating
• charming