endearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "endearing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something (or someone) that you find very sweet or attractive. For example: His endearing personality made him the most popular person in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Lifestyle

Sport

TV & Radio

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But people are warming to him and he's slightly endearing.

The Guardian

His recurrent appearances on SNL, playing Hulk-like, shape-shifting Potus "The Rock" Obama, have been ridiculously endearing (especially whenever he flings Ted Cruz out of a window), and you haven't lived until you've seen him lip-sync Taylor Swift's Shake It Off with Jimmy Fallon ("Oh Jimmy, your ass is gettin' ready to know Tay-Tay!").

The Guardian - Film

This might sound like a line from Spinal Tap, but his sincerity is endearing.

The Guardian - Music

Similarly, many of us will be familiar with what happens towards the end of a relationship, when behaviour that previously appeared charming or endearing becomes the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stuart Winter, journalist and 'Birdman' for the Sunday Express, told the RSPB that the robin's characteristics were "those we value most in not just other people but in our island race: small of stature but big of heart; friendly, loyal and endearing yet belligerent and uncompromising to all those who dare extinguish its vitality or threaten its domain.

The Guardian

Of course, the UK show made up for its lack of funds with quirky memorable, endearing characters and the US one is a bland bore.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her critics claim this is because she has used a safe conservative seat as a springboard for her own political ambitions, taking the electorate for granted and not always endearing herself to locals when she does interact with them.

The Guardian

"Easy, easy, easy" chant the Barmy Army, roaring their approval at the MCG as England's cavorting players perform Graeme Swann's initially endearing, eventually irritating, "sprinkler dance".

The Guardian - Sport

The externalised monologue of the process was endearing, but painful.

The Guardian

Then in 2003, at the age of 53, he became highly bankable almost overnight when he won two Baftas, one for playing a newspaper editor in the TV drama State of Play, and another for his role as a washed-up but endearing rock star in the Richard Curtis romcom Love Actually.

The Guardian - Film

It is not endearing to see a person laughing in a serious debate, when 23 million unemployed is being discussed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "endearing" to describe qualities that inspire affection in a gentle, often childlike way. It is appropriate for describing characters, behaviors, or even objects that evoke a sense of fondness.

Common error

Avoid using "endearing" in highly formal or serious contexts where a more neutral term would be appropriate. While it conveys positive sentiment, it can sometimes be perceived as overly sentimental or lacking in gravitas. Consider alternatives like "admirable" or "impressive" for formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "endearing" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by ascribing to them the quality of inspiring love or affection, often in a gentle or childlike way. Ludwig confirms that it can be used in various contexts as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Film

10%

Music

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Sport

6%

TV & Radio

6%

Books

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "endearing" is used to describe qualities that inspire affection, often in a gentle or childlike way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, as well as in discussions about film and music. While generally versatile, be mindful of using "endearing" in highly formal contexts, where a more neutral term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "charming", "adorable", or "lovable" to fine-tune the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charming

Focuses on the ability to please or attract through personality or behavior.

adorable

Highlights the quality of being extremely lovable or delightful.

lovable

Emphasizes the capacity to inspire love or affection.

delightful

Indicates a high degree of pleasure and enjoyment.

appealing

Stresses the quality of being attractive or interesting.

winsome

Suggests a charmingly attractive or pleasing quality, often in a childlike way.

sweet

Highlights a gentle and pleasant nature or disposition.

engaging

Emphasizes the ability to capture attention and interest in a pleasant way.

precious

Highlights the sense of great value and affection.

fetching

Implies an attractive and captivating quality.

FAQs

How can I use "endearing" in a sentence?

You can use "endearing" to describe qualities that inspire affection or fondness. For example, "His "endearing" smile made everyone feel at ease".

What are some synonyms for "endearing"?

Some synonyms for "endearing" include "charming", "adorable", "lovable", and "delightful".

Is it appropriate to use "endearing" in formal writing?

While "endearing" is generally positive, it might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using words like "admirable" or "impressive" instead, depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "endearing" and "charming"?

Both words convey positive qualities, but "endearing" suggests a gentle, often childlike quality that inspires affection, while "charming" focuses more on the ability to please or attract through personality or behavior.