B2 verb Neutral

adorable

/əˈdɔːrəbl/

Used to describe someone or something that is extremely charming, delightful, and easy to love. It is most frequently used to refer to children, small animals, or objects that evoke a strong feeling of affection.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The toddler looked absolutely adorable in her little sun hat.

The toddler looked absolutely adorable in her little sun hat.

2

The host presented the young performers, who were described as adorable by the audience.

The host presented the young performers, who were described as adorable by the audience.

3

Look at those puppies! They are so adorable I want to take them all home.

Look at those puppies! They are so adorable I want to take them all home.

Word Family

Noun
adorability
Verb
adore
Adverb
adorably
Adjective
adorable
Related
adoration
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'door' that you open to find a room full of puppies – it's 'a-door-able'.

Quick Quiz

The children's choir performed an ______ version of the holiday song.

Correct!

The correct answer is: adorable

Examples

1

The toddler looked absolutely adorable in her little sun hat.

everyday

The toddler looked absolutely adorable in her little sun hat.

2

The host presented the young performers, who were described as adorable by the audience.

formal

The host presented the young performers, who were described as adorable by the audience.

3

Look at those puppies! They are so adorable I want to take them all home.

informal

Look at those puppies! They are so adorable I want to take them all home.

4

The study analyzed psychological responses to images of adorable creatures, such as kittens and fawns.

academic

The study analyzed psychological responses to images of adorable creatures, such as kittens and fawns.

5

Our marketing strategy for the new line of infant clothing focuses on using adorable imagery to appeal to parents.

business

Our marketing strategy for the new line of infant clothing focuses on using adorable imagery to appeal to parents.

Word Family

Noun
adorability
Verb
adore
Adverb
adorably
Adjective
adorable
Related
adoration

Common Collocations

absolutely adorable absolutely adorable
adorable child adorable child
look adorable look adorable
adorable puppy adorable puppy
adorable outfit adorable outfit

Common Phrases

perfectly adorable

perfectly adorable

isn't that adorable?

isn't that adorable?

simply adorable

simply adorable

Often Confused With

adorable vs adoring

Adoring describes the person who is showing great love, while adorable describes the person or thing that is being loved or is charming.

📝

Usage Notes

While commonly used for children and pets, using 'adorable' for adults can sometimes sound patronizing unless it is used in a romantic or very close personal context.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'adorable' as a verb because of its root, but it is exclusively an adjective; the verb form is 'adore'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'door' that you open to find a room full of puppies – it's 'a-door-able'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'adorabilis', meaning worthy of being worshipped or adored.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a predicative adjective (e.g., The baby is adorable). Used as an attributive adjective (e.g., An adorable baby). Often modified by intensifiers like 'simply', 'absolutely', or 'truly'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In English-speaking cultures, calling a stranger's baby or pet 'adorable' is a standard way to initiate friendly small talk.

Quick Quiz

The children's choir performed an ______ version of the holiday song.

Correct!

The correct answer is: adorable

Related Words

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free