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Literary notes about Endearing (AI summary)

In literature, the term "endearing" is often employed to evoke a sense of affectionate charm and tender appeal that adds warmth and human interest to characters, settings, or situations. Authors use it to convey both the inherent qualities of individuals and the soft, inviting tone of their interactions—for instance, a character's innocent confidence is rendered even more touching when described as "the most endearing and perfect" [1], while intimate dialogue is sweetened by the employment of "endearing epithets" that underscore deep feelings [2, 3]. Beyond personal attributes, the word also colors descriptions of places, moments, and even inanimate objects, imbuing them with a sentimental quality that resonates with readers [4, 5, 6]. Overall, "endearing" serves as a versatile literary device, subtly enhancing the emotional texture of a narrative by highlighting the qualities that make characters and experiences irresistibly lovable.
  1. Little Frances looked up to her, with the most endearing and perfect confidence.
    — from Olive Leaves; Or, Sketches of Character by L. H. (Lydia Howard) Sigourney
  2. “That were impossible,” returned the young man; “he called you by a thousand endearing epithets, that I may not presume to use, but to
    — from The Last of the Mohicans; A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper
  3. But Isabella became only more and more urgent, calling on her in the most affectionate manner, addressing her by the most endearing names.
    — from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
  4. Local attachments and sympathies would ere long spring up in the breasts of our ancestors, endearing to them the place of their refuge.
    — from Select Speeches of Daniel Webster, 1817-1845 by Daniel Webster
  5. They were developing in him, and the camp-life, replete with misery as it was, was secretly endearing itself to him all the time.
    — from White Fang by Jack London
  6. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former, and a something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter.
    — from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

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