adorable

USAGE SUMMARY

'adorable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is very attractive, usually in an endearing way. Example sentence: The adorable little puppies were so cute, I wanted to take them all home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What it isn't is an adorable pet, small child or anything you'd want to cuddle up to without calling pest control first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Luckily, there's a cheap and adorable way to make your budget stretch and show your friends and family how much you care: Christmas gift bundles, collections of cut-price items with a personal theme.

The Guardian

Big Hero 6 Disney blockbuster with adorable blob thing.

The Guardian - Film

And the fact that an honour is women-only, with an adorable, pantomime name, changes nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a journalist, I had become used to toting around a satellite's worth of iDevices – mainly because anything made by Apple, while adorable, had the battery life of a potato hooked up with a wire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most players will tell you he was an adorable guy to have in your team and, unlike many forwards, selfless.

The Guardian - Sport

It makes me think of Christmas – and not even the stressful, list-making, panic-buying version I've come to actively resent as an adult, but the safe, warm, frictionless one of early childhood, where, like Wicket on that speeder bike, I wasn't required to do anything except look adorable and enjoy the ride.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unless he voiced EB the drumming bunny in Hop purely for the love of percussion and adorable woodland creatures, there once was a time when Russell Brand liked capital.

The Guardian - Film

These genetic misfits might have died out long ago, had they not been so adorable".Omfg look at this baby panda," tweeted Mia Farrow, joining the chorus of fans ogling the Smithsonian's National Zoo's "panda cam".

The Economist

Producers of the dazzling Olympic opening ceremony on August 8th acknowledged that an adorable nine-year-old girl in a red dress was miming her solo rather than singing, and that the actual singer had been removed at the last minute because of her round face and uneven teeth.

The Economist

Mr Rubio, with his stellar career, cheerleader wife and four adorable children, says he owes everything to God, to his parents' sacrifices and to America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adorable" to describe something that evokes feelings of love, affection, or tenderness. It is most effective when applied to things that are visually pleasing or have endearing qualities.

Common error

While "adorable" is a positive descriptor, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "charming" or "endearing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "adorable" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, attributing a quality of being worthy of being adored; cute or loveable. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in describing various subjects, from animals to objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adorable" is a versatile and widely used adjective that expresses positive sentiment and delight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while the numerous examples highlight its common usage in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing, consider using synonyms to avoid overuse and tailor the term to the specific tone and context of your writing. "Adorable" effectively conveys a sense of charm and endearment, making it a valuable addition to your descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endearing

Focuses on inspiring affection and a sense of warmth.

cute

Implies a small and attractive quality, often in a youthful way.

charming

Emphasizes the delightful and pleasing nature.

lovely

Highlights the pleasant and attractive qualities.

delightful

Stresses the capacity to cause joy and pleasure.

sweet

Indicates a gentle and pleasing nature.

precious

Suggests something is valuable and cherished.

appealing

Highlights the attractive and interesting qualities.

winsome

Emphasizes a charming and attractive quality, often in a childlike way.

irresistible

Suggests something is too attractive and tempting to be refused.

FAQs

How can I use "adorable" in a sentence?

You can use "adorable" to describe something that is very attractive and delightful. For example, "The puppy was so "adorable" that we had to adopt him."

What can I say instead of "adorable"?

You can use alternatives like "endearing", "charming", or "lovely" depending on the context.

Is "adorable" formal or informal?

"Adorable" is generally considered an informal term suitable for everyday conversation and writing. In more formal contexts, consider using "charming" or "delightful".

What makes something "adorable"?

Something is generally considered "adorable" if it is visually pleasing, evokes feelings of affection or tenderness, and possesses endearing qualities. These qualities often include youthfulness, innocence, and vulnerability.