endearment

[ en-deer-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of endearing. endearing.
2. the state of being endeared.
3. something that endears; an action or utterance showing affection:

   to murmur endearments.

endearment

/ ɪnˈdɪəmənt /

noun

1. something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance
2. the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; endear + -ment

Example Sentences

Their chemistry and understanding of Cuban culture hits different when they pronounce “Paramount+” like a Cuban uncle and it's always from a place of endearment instead of ridicule.

From Salon

At least since Hillary Clinton, the Democrats have seemed to think that treating them like a low-status group in dire need of a government-supplied break would provide the terms of endearment.

From Salon

He spoke about his grandmother, who he called "Mawmaw" – which he noted was a term of endearment in the Appalachian community he hails from.

From BBC

It could be a term of endearment, people saying that they love you for your Blackness, or it could be an insult and an attack.

From Salon

The word “Paul” became my substitute for endearments.

From Los Angeles Times