Showing Results for "endearing"

See Also:

• present participle of endear.

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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endearing British  

/ ɪnˈdɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. giving rise to love or esteem; charming

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of endearing

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

Explanation

Endearing describes something or someone extremely lovable, like a kitten or your friend's sense of humor. The adjective endearing was originally used in the 1500s to mean "enhancing the value of," and by the 1640s it also meant "making dear or precious." It can still be used both ways, although the second meaning of endearing is most common. Any time you talk about a person or thing that's adorable or extremely likable, you can describe it as endearing.

Related Words

• captivating
• charming