ENGLISH
REFERENCE

endearing

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛnˈdiɹɪŋ// UK //ɛndˈiəɹɪŋ// en·dear·ing

adj. describing someone or something that is very easy to like. It is often used for small habits or qualities that make a person seem sweet or charming.

adj. inspiring affection or warm approval through a charming or sweet quality. Often used to describe idiosyncratic habits or personality traits that evoke a protective or fond response.


SIMPLE

He has an endearing habit of humming while he works.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite her occasional clumsiness, her colleagues found her honesty and enthusiasm quite endearing.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's vulnerability and awkward attempts at social grace proved endearing to the audience, making his eventual success feel deeply earned.

Synonyms
Origin

From endear + -ing.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'find'.

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