Darling Meaning and Definition
Darling
Pronunciation
/ˈdɑːrlɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A term of endearment used to express affection or fondness towards someone or something, often used to describe something or someone that is cherished or loved.
Examples
- She called her little girl her darling.
- The darling of the film festival was a small independent movie.
Synonyms
- Beloved
- Cherished
- Adored
Antonyms
- Detested
- Despised
- Abhorred
Additional Information
The term “darling” is often used to express affection or fondness towards someone or something. It can be used to describe a person, a place, or even an object that is cherished or loved. In some cases, the term can also be used to describe something or someone that is favored or preferred.
In modern usage, the term “darling” is often used in a more casual or informal sense, such as in social media or text messages. However, it can also be used in more formal or poetic contexts, such as in literature or music.
Overall, the term “darling” is a versatile and expressive word that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey affection, fondness, or admiration.
Etymology
The word “darling” has its roots in the Old English word “deorling,” which means “beloved” or “cherished.” Over time, the word evolved into Middle English as “derling,” and eventually into Modern English as “darling.”
Usage Notes
The term “darling” can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal and informal settings. However, it is generally considered more suitable for personal or emotional expressions, rather than formal or professional contexts.
Cultural References
The term “darling” has been used in a variety of cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the term is used in the title of the 1965 film “Darling,” which stars Julie Christie as a young woman who becomes a model and a socialite.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “darling” include “darling of the crowd,” “darling of the press,” and “darling of the public.”
Related Words or Phrases
Some related words or phrases that convey a similar meaning to “darling” include “beloved,” “cherished,” “adored,” and “treasured.”
Collocations
Some common collocations that include the word “darling” include “my darling,” “our darling,” and “the darling of [something].”
Frequency of Use
The term “darling” is a relatively common word in modern language, and is often used in informal or personal contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “darling” is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “darling” include “darlin,” “darlin’,” and “darlng.”