# absence makes the heart grow fonder

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

## Examples

- We miss each other, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Living in different cities is difficult, but they believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Although the long separation was painful, he realized that absence makes the heart grow fonder when he felt his love deepen during their time apart.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.