sweetheart

Everyday

1. A person you love in a romantic way, a boyfriend or girlfriend. tree →
2. A friendly, loving name used for someone you care about, especially a child («Come here, sweetheart»). tree →
3. (informal) A very kind, lovely person: «She's a real sweetheart». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life parents and grandparents call children «sweetheart». In stories it can mean someone's true love («childhood sweethearts»). Strangers using it can sound too familiar or rude to some people. Phrases: «childhood sweethearts», «thanks, sweetheart», «a real sweetheart».

Examples

• «Goodnight, sweetheart,» said Mum. tree →
• My grandparents were childhood sweethearts. tree →
• The new teacher is a real sweetheart. tree →
• He sent his sweetheart a Valentine's card. tree →
• «Don't cry, sweetheart, it's only a scratch.» tree →
• The dog is a sweetheart and loves everyone. tree →

Note

One word. As a form of address it is often like «love», «darling», «honey» or «pet». It is warm from family; from strangers it can feel rude or patronising. Plural «sweethearts».