What Does ‘Endear’ Mean? SAT Vocabulary Explained
Learn the definition, usage, and common mistakes of the word ‘endear’. This video breaks down its meaning, provides examples, and offers tips to help you use it correctly in your SAT prep and beyond.
Imagine you’re the new kid at school, trying to make friends. You share your snacks, help classmates with homework, and always have a kind word for everyone.
Without realizing it, you’re endearing yourself to your peers. But what exactly does endear mean? Let’s find out.
Word type: Endear is a verb.
Meaning: To endear means to cause someone or something to be loved or liked.
It’s about making yourself or something else dear or beloved to others.
Word history: The word endear comes from the prefix en, meaning to cause to be, and the word dear, meaning loved or valued.
It first appeared in the English language in the late sixteenth century.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for endear include ingratiate, attract, charm, and win over.
Antonyms: Antonyms of endear are alienate, estrange, and repel.
Examples use in sentences: Her genuine kindness and infectious laugh endeared her to everyone she met.
The puppy’s playful antics quickly endeared it to the entire family. His dedication to the community endeared him to local voters during the election.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing endear with endure. While endear means to cause to be loved, endure means to suffer patiently or to last.
For example, You endure a long wait at the doctor’s office, but you endear yourself to the staff by being patient and polite.
Another error is using endear without the reflexive pronoun when it’s needed. You would say, He endeared himself to his colleagues, not He endeared to his colleagues.
To truly grasp the meaning of endear, think about the qualities or actions that make people likeable.
Maybe it’s a friend’s loyalty, a teacher’s patience, or a leader’s integrity. These traits endear them to us, creating positive feelings and strengthening relationships.
Remember, endearing yourself to others isn’t about manipulation, but about genuine actions and qualities that naturally draw people to you.
As you prepare for the SAT, keep in mind that understanding words like endear not only helps with vocabulary questions but also enriches your ability to express ideas clearly in the essay portion of the test.
