Doting
What it means
Showing abundant, attentive affection, sometimes with indulgent pride.
Reach for it when describing a visibly loving relative, carer, or companion
A doting aunt framed every exuberant drawing from her nephew.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
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playful
besotted
Fits when delighted infatuation suits a teasing voice
Careful Besotted sounds irrational and is risky in sincere praise.
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everyday
Fits when warm feeling is expressed in a balanced way
Careful Affectionate is less intense and carries no hint of overindulgence.
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everyday
Fits when a gentle liking is sufficient
Careful Fond is much milder than the concentrated attention of doting.
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warm
adoring
Fits when open admiration and love are central
Careful Adoring describes the feeling or gaze, not repeated attentive care.
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professional
indulgent
Fits when allowing treats or leniency is the behavior
Careful Indulgence may reflect weak boundaries instead of love.
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formal
Fits when loyalty and steady commitment matter
Careful Devotion can be dutiful and restrained rather than indulgently affectionate.
Opposites 3
- neglectful
- indifferent
- cold
Common phrases 3
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doting parent
The doting parent kept the first wobbly clay bowl on display.
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doting grandfather
A doting grandfather learned every character in the school play.
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doting attention
The puppy accepted the visitors' doting attention with sleepy patience.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Updated