adjective

adorable

uh-DOR-uh-bul/əˈdɔːrəbl/

Delightfully cute or lovable.

The adorable puppy rests its chin on the rim of an oversized slipper.

A tiny, fluffy puppy nestled in a plain oversized slipper, resting its chin on the soft rim with relaxed floppy ears and a gently tilted head.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward

+orLatinspeak formally, pray

+ableLatincapable or worthy of being

Speaking or praying to someone developed into worship, making adorable originally mean “worthy of worship.” That strong religious praise weakened to affectionate delight, giving the modern sense of charming, lovable, or cute.

In context

Inside the Hem28:33

but this is really cute this top is adorable thank goodness my eyes okay so we have a woven top with like a cute little necktie

Butterick Spring 2019 | 1st Impression Pattern Review

More examples

Her toddler wears an adorable little raincoat.
We found the child's crooked drawing absolutely adorable.
The kitten looks especially adorable curled inside the basket.

Forms

adore verb — To love or admire someone deeply.

Similar words

cute: The more everyday word for appealing smallness or charm.
lovable: Emphasizes affection rather than a delightfully cute appearance.