ENDEARMENT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does endearment mean? 

• ENDEARMENT (noun)
  The noun ENDEARMENT has 1 sense:

1. the act of showing affection

  Familiarity information: ENDEARMENT used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ENDEARMENT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The act of showing affection

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("endearment" is a kind of...):

benignity; kindness (a kind act)

Derivation:

endear (make attractive or lovable)

 Context examples 

Can I bear the consciousness that every endearment he bestows is a sacrifice made on principle?

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know—such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours!

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I wish to foster, not to blight—to earn gratitude, not to wring tears of blood—no, nor of brine: my harvest must be in smiles, in endearments, in sweet—That will do.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

"It is all very well for the present," said he; "but seriously, I trust that when the first flush of vivacity is over, you will look a little higher than domestic endearments and household joys."

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)