endears

Endears is the third-person singular present tense of the verb endear. The principal meaning is to cause someone or something to become liked or loved by others, or to make oneself liked or valued by a person or group. In usage, endear is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the person or group who is made beloved, with the beneficiary introduced by to: for example, “Her kindness endears her to the community.” It can also take the form endear oneself to someone: “He endeared himself to his students by his patience.” The construction endear X to Y places X as the thing or person eliciting affection, while endearing to Y indicates the recipient of affection.

Etymology: The verb is formed with the prefix en- (to cause to be) attached to dear, meaning beloved. It is attested in Middle English and has remained in common use in modern English.

Usage notes: Endear is more common in formal or literary contexts and can describe actions, traits, or conduct that foster affection. The related noun endearment refers to the quality or act that engenders affection. In modern writing, endear is frequently used to convey how someone’s behavior or characteristics win the admiration or goodwill of others.

See also: endearment, likability, affection, charm, endearing.