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

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

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.

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 • Mar. 31, 2026

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 • Mar. 17, 2026

There have also been endearing moments that have captured the public's attention.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

At its centre is Anand "Annie" Grover, an endearing fifth-year student suspended between idealism and chronic distraction.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

He rubbed the back of his neck, which she found strangely endearing.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• captivating
• charming