sweetheart
- 01 B1 Intermediate
someone 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.
Simple“They were high school sweethearts and eventually got married ten years later.”
In context“The novel explores the lives of two childhood sweethearts who are separated by the war and struggle to find their way back to one another.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
a 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.
Simple“Don't worry, sweetheart, we will find your lost toy in the morning.”
In context“The elderly shopkeeper often addressed her regular customers as sweetheart, a habit that reflected her warm and welcoming nature.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person who is very kind, helpful, and nice to everyone.
an exceptionally kind, generous, or agreeable person.
Simple“Your brother is such a sweetheart for helping me move all those heavy boxes.”
In context“Everyone 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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.