Endear

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɪnˈdɪə/, /É›nˈdɪə/
• US IPA: /ɪnˈdɪəɹ/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(r)

Alternative forms

• indear

Origin

From - + dear.

Full definition of endear

Verb

1. (obsolete) To make (something) more precious or valuable. 16th-17th c.
2. (obsolete) To make (something) more expensive; to increase the cost of. 17th-19th c.
3. (obsolete) To stress (something) as important; to exaggerate. 17th c.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.18:Salvianus Massiliensis ... saith, that amongst French-men, to lie and forsweare is no vice but a manner of speach. He that would endeare this Testimonie, might say, it is now rather deemed a vertue among them.
4. To make (someone) dear or precious. from 18th c.

Anagrams

• earned, neared, readen