“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Absence makes the heart grow fonder suggests that when people are apart, their feelings for each other grow stronger. Distance and time apart can increase affection because absence heightens appreciation and longing for the other person.
Tone Reflective and sentimental
Where it comes from
The phrase is an ancient proverb that indicates a sentiment that was likely expressed throughout history. One of the earliest recorded uses in English was by the poet Thomas Haynes Bayly in the song Isle of Beauty in 1844, but the concept has been present in literature for much longer.
Examples
- After spending a semester abroad, Sarah realized how much she missed her family and friends – absence really did make the heart grow fonder.
- Despite their busy schedules keeping them apart, the couple found that absence made their hearts grow fonder, and they cherished their time together even more.
- With each day he spent away from his hometown, Jack felt a growing affection for the familiar places and faces he had known all his life – absence made his heart grow fonder.
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