endearing

[en-deer-ing]

adjective

1. tending to make dear or beloved.

2. manifesting or evoking affection.

   an endearing smile.

Other Word Forms

• endearingly adverb
• self-endearing adjective
• unendearing adjective
• unendearingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearing¹

First recorded in 1615–25; endear + -ing ²

Example Sentences

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

But Butler works best here because you can’t doom someone this endearing.

From Salon

But four years later, the yard and parkway are a thick tangle of grasses, green shrubs and vibrant flowers, as Kolding makes clear in an endearing short documentary film about their new landscape.

From Los Angeles Times

The videos quickly became a sensation, showing off Scorsese’s more private side — he’s never been so cuddly or endearing.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s the guy that we put through a series of degradations and humiliations, but like the Energizer Bunny, he keeps coming back. By braving all of these things, he becomes extremely endearing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captivating 
• charming