endearing

[ en-deer-ing ]

adjective

1. tending to make dear or beloved.
2. manifesting or evoking affection:

   an endearing smile.

Other Words From

• en·dearing·ly adverb
• self-en·dearing adjective
• unen·dearing adjective
• unen·dearing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearing¹

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

Example Sentences

He diligently befriended Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to Andrew Mellon’s fortunes who funded forest preservation across Pennsylvania and believed in curtailing population growth, endearing himself to her with gauzy appeals.

From Salon

Drew Barrymore is oft acknowledged as being a likable, endearing celebrity who we've watched on screen since her childhood roles in various classic movies, but her talk show hosting and interviewing style has often been joked about or called into question, with some even describing it as "cringey."

From Salon

It’s annoying and endearing at the same time.

From Salon

Their aunt, Barbara Sastre, told us they were like little bugs - “bichetes” - an endearing description to convey how they buzzed around, that is, when they weren’t absorbed by their cartoons.

From BBC

With her stringy, bleached-out hair and weary demeanor, she fits right in, while her antics such as a trick with a lighter or burping after chugging beer too fast are adorable and endearing but also mask something troubled and struggling underneath.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captivating
• charming