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Definition of dote

dote

/doʊt/
dote
Adverb:dotingly
•
Adjective:doting
•
Past Simple:doted
•
Past Participle:doted
•
Present Participle:doting
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dote Lexical Profile

dote Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be extremely and uncritically fond of someone (usually followed by 'on' or 'upon').

Example

"The grandparents dote on their youngest granddaughter whenever she comes to visit."

2

To be weak-minded or mentally decline, especially because of old age (archaic).

Example

"In the play, the aging monarch begins to dote as his advisors conspire against him."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dote

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern usage, 'dote' is almost always followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon' (e.g., 'to dote on someone').

• Rhymes for dote

• Nearby Words

dossier
dot
dotcom
dote
doting
dotingly
dotted

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English doten ('to be foolish or weak-minded'), likely related to Middle Dutch doten ('to be crazy'), from which the sense of being foolishly or excessively fond developed.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dote. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dote
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