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darlinga person who is loved or cherished; used as a term of endearment

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who is loved or cherished; used as a term of endearment

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdɑːrlɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • Could you be a darling and pass me the remote?
  • My grandmother thinks every cat in the neighborhood is absolutely darling.
  • Darling, you forgot to put on pants again!

darling

NOUN

[/ˈdɑːrlɪŋ/]

a person who is loved or cherished; used as a term of endearment

beloved person, term of endearment
💡 Concept

beloved person, term of endearment

A starling becomes her darling
🎵 Rhyme

A starling becomes her darling

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈdɑːrlɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈdɑːlɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Rootdear
Suffix--ling

Origin

The word derives from Old English 'deorling', combining 'deore' (precious, dear) with the diminutive suffix '-ling' (small one). Originally used to denote a beloved or cherished small person or creature.

Breakdown

deore (dear, precious) + -ling (small one, diminutive suffix). The suffix '-ling' traditionally forms diminutives, creating a term for something small and beloved.

🎵Rhyme

starlingsnarling
starling
snarling

🔗Collocations

my darling
darling child
be a darling
darling little
absolute darling
darling husband

📝Examples

Could you be a darling and pass me the remote?

😄 Fun example

My grandmother thinks every cat in the neighborhood is absolutely darling.

😄 Fun example

Darling, you forgot to put on pants again!

She's such a darling - she always helps her neighbors.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

sweethearthoneydearbelovedadorable

Antonyms

enemystrangerhateful

Related

endearmentaffectionlovecutecharming

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