endear
C1Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
To cause someone to be loved, liked, or admired.
To make someone or something more attractive, charming, or appealing to others, often by revealing positive qualities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a transitive verb, always requiring an object. It typically describes a process where a person or their qualities cause others to feel affection. The effect is indirect (making *oneself* or *someone else* endearing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in formal writing and literary contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both dialects, with a slight edge in British corpus data.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] endears [Object: reflexive pronoun] to [Recipient][Subject] endears [Object: person/quality] to [Recipient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To endear oneself to someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'His honest leadership style endeared him to the stakeholders.'
Academic
Uncommon, used in literary or social analysis. 'The protagonist's flaws endear her to the reader.'
Everyday
Low-frequency. 'Her little jokes really endeared her to her new colleagues.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His self-deprecating humour endeared him to the entire nation.
- She didn't try to endear herself, she was just naturally kind.
American English
- His relentless optimism endeared him to his teammates.
- The candidate's plain speaking endeared her to many voters.
adverb
British English
- The related adverb is 'endingly', though it is virtually never used. 'Endearingly' is the standard adverbial form from 'endearing'.
American English
- The related adverb is 'endingly', though it is virtually never used. 'Endearingly' is the standard adverbial form from 'endearing'.
adjective
British English
- The related adjective is 'endearing': 'He has an endearing habit of whistling.'
American English
- The related adjective is 'endearing': 'She gave an endearing speech at the ceremony.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The puppy's playfulness endeared it to the family.
- He tried to endear himself by helping everyone.
- Her willingness to admit mistakes only endeared her further to the public.
- The politician's common touch endeared him to a broad electorate.
- The author's nuanced portrayal of human frailty serves to endear the characters to the reader.
- His initial gruffness masked a generosity that ultimately endeared him to his colleagues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To put someone IN your DEAR (loved ones) circle. To make them dear to you.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS A GIFT (one gives endearment) / AFFECTION IS A BRIDGE (one builds endearment towards someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'дорожить' (to cherish). 'Endear' is about causing the affection, not feeling it.
- Avoid direct translation from constructions like 'завоевать симпатию' – use 'endear oneself to' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object (e.g., 'She endears.').
- Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'endear with' instead of 'endear to').
- Confusing 'endearing' (adj) and 'endear' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct preposition to use with 'endear'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though it's less common. You can 'endear someone to others' (e.g., 'Her honesty endeared her to us'), or 'endear a quality' (e.g., 'His frankness endeared him to voters'). The reflexive pattern 'endear oneself to' is very frequent.
No, it's a C1-level word, more common in written English (literature, journalism) than in everyday speech. The adjective 'endearing' is more frequently used.
The primary noun is 'endearment', which usually refers to an action or word expressing affection (e.g., 'terms of endearment'). There is no direct action noun like '*endrement'.
They are false friends. 'Endear' means to make loved. 'Endeavour' (BrE) / 'endeavor' (AmE) is a verb meaning to try hard to achieve something, or a noun meaning a serious effort or attempt.