sweetheart
UK: ˈswiːt.hɑːt | US: ˈswiːt.hɑːrt
n. a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship; a term of endearment
n. a kind or lovable person
The word "sweetheart" combines "sweet," from Old English swēte (pleasing, agreeable), and "heart," from Old English heorte (the organ symbolizing love and emotion). It emerged in Middle English (14th century) as a term of endearment, reflecting the idea of a beloved person being "sweet at heart." The compound elegantly captures tenderness and emotional closeness, evolving into a universal expression for romantic partners or cherished individuals.
She called her husband "sweetheart" every morning.
He’s such a sweetheart—always helping others.
"Don’t worry, sweetheart," she whispered comfortingly.
The old couple still referred to each other as sweethearts.
Everyone in town knew him as the neighborhood sweetheart.