English Reference

Word

darling

Phoneticsdar·ling, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɑɹɫɪŋ/

UK/dˈɑːlɪŋ/

Definitions

01term of endearment

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a name you call someone you love, like a husband, wife, or child.

n. a term of endearment used to address a person for whom the speaker feels affection.

“Goodnight, darling, I will see you in the morning.”

“He addressed his wife as darling throughout the evening, a habit that had persisted since their first year of marriage.”

02a favorite person

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who is the favorite of a particular group or individual.

n. a person who is particularly favored or cherished by a specific group, often in a professional or social context.

“The young actor quickly became the darling of the film critics.”

“After the successful launch of the startup, the CEO became the darling of the tech media, appearing on every major magazine cover.”

Synonyms

03beloved or favorite

B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary

adj. very dear or favorite.

adj. regarded with deep affection; cherished or favorite.

“She lost her darling brother during the long war.”

“The poet wrote extensively about his darling homeland, which he had not visited in over thirty years.”

Antonyms

04charming or cute

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

adj. very pretty, cute, or charming.

adj. possessing qualities that evoke affection or admiration; charmingly cute.

“What a darling little hat you are wearing today.”

“The boutique was filled with darling trinkets that appealed to tourists looking for unique souvenirs.”

Antonyms

Usage

Frequently used as a vocative (a word used to address someone directly) without an article.

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference