sweetheart
n.-
1 romantic partner (n.) B1 Intermediatesomeone you are in a romantic relationship with, especially when you are young.
a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship, often used to describe a first or youthful love.
ExampleThey were high school sweethearts and eventually got married ten years later.
ExampleThe novel explores the lives of two childhood sweethearts who are separated by the war and struggle to find their way back to one another.
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2 term of endearment (n.) B1 Intermediate Informala friendly name you use when talking to a person you love or like.
a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner, a child, or occasionally a stranger in a friendly manner.
ExampleDon't worry, sweetheart, we will find your lost toy in the morning.
ExampleThe elderly shopkeeper often addressed her regular customers as sweetheart, a habit that reflected her warm and welcoming nature.
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3 a kind person (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala person who is very kind, helpful, and nice to everyone.
an exceptionally kind, generous, or agreeable person.
ExampleYour brother is such a sweetheart for helping me move all those heavy boxes.
ExampleEveryone in the office agreed that the new manager was a total sweetheart, always taking the time to listen to her employees' concerns.
From Middle English swete heorte, swete hert (term of endearment); equivalent to sweet + heart.