darling

12 synonyms and 1 antonym for darling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A term of affection for someone very dear to the speaker.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

dear honey love favourite favorite baby

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

sweetheart beloved dearest

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

dearie ducky deary

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A term of affection for someone very dear to the speaker.

“Thank you for the lovely card, darling, I will keep it forever.”

sweetheart dear beloved honey love favourite favorite dearie baby ducky dearest deary

2. adj

Much loved; adorable or charming.

“She wore a darling little hat with a ribbon on it.”

beloved dear

Opposites

unloved

How to use darling

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

hello, darling media darling darling of the crowd

As a term of address, "darling" is common in British English between partners, family members, and among some theatrical or fashion circles; it can sound old-fashioned or overly familiar elsewhere.

Etymology

From Old English deorling, built from deore ("dear") plus a diminutive suffix — literally something like "little dear one."

Full origin of darling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “darling” mean?

The word “darling” means a term of affection for someone very dear to the speaker. In plain terms, a warm, affectionate word — either a pet name for someone you love, or a description of someone/something that a group has taken a shine to.

How do you pronounce “darling”?

“Darling” is pronounced DAH-lihng (/ˈdɑɹlɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “darling” in a sentence?

Here is “darling” used in a sentence: “"Good morning, darling," she said, kissing him on the cheek.”

What part of speech is “darling”?

Depending on how it is used, “darling” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “darling” come from?

The word “darling” comes from Old English. From Old English deorling, built from deore ("dear") plus a diminutive suffix — literally something like "little dear one.".

Is “darling” a common word?

“Darling” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “darling” have?

“Darling” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a term of affection for someone very dear to the speaker.

Is it rude or condescending to call someone darling?

It depends on the relationship and the region. Between partners, family, or close friends, darling is a warm term of affection, and in parts of Britain it is a casual, friendly form of address even for strangers. From a stranger or in a professional setting, however, it can come across as overly familiar or patronizing.

What is the difference between darling and dear?

Both are terms of affection for someone dear to the speaker, but darling is generally the stronger and more intimate of the two. Dear also has wider uses, such as opening letters ("Dear Sir") and, in British English, meaning expensive. As a direct form of address, darling tends to sound more affectionate or theatrical than dear.

Is darling formal or informal?

Darling is informal and intimate. It belongs in personal speech and writing between people who are close, not in formal or professional contexts. In business settings, pet names such as darling are generally considered inappropriate.

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love baby favorite dear favourite honey beloved sweetheart dearest unloved ducky dearie

Nearby words

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