verb
dote
doht
Dote (verb) means to show excessive love or fondness for someone, often overlooking their faults. Example: “Grandparents tend to dote on their grandchildren.”
verb
1
To show excessive love or fondness for someone, often overlooking their faults.
"Grandparents tend to dote on their grandchildren."
"He doted on his new puppy, buying it toys almost every week."
How to use dote
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lavish someone with adoring, sometimes overindulgent, attention and affection.
Common mistake
Always used with "on" — you dote ON someone, not just "dote someone."
Common pairings
dote on
doting parent
doting grandmother
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Word forms
- Plural
- dotes
- Third person singular
- dotes
- Past tense
- doted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Grandparents tend to _____ on their grandchildren.
Etymology
From Middle English doten, "to be foolish," related to Middle Dutch and Low German words meaning much the same.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dote
See all rhymes for dote →Frequently asked questions
What does “dote” mean?
The word “dote” means to show excessive love or fondness for someone, often overlooking their faults. In plain terms, to lavish someone with adoring, sometimes overindulgent, attention and affection.
How do you pronounce “dote”?
“Dote” is pronounced doht (/doʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dote” in a sentence?
Here is “dote” used in a sentence: “Grandparents tend to dote on their grandchildren.”
What is another word for “dote”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dote” include mimmerkin.
What part of speech is “dote”?
“Dote” is a verb.
Where does the word “dote” come from?
The word “dote” comes from Middle English. From Middle English doten, "to be foolish," related to Middle Dutch and Low German words meaning much the same.
