Absence makes the heart grow fonder

usgb
proverb

When you are away from someone you love, your feelings for them increase.

I thought I would be happy living alone, but I actually miss my family a lot. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
Visual representation of "absence makes the heart grow fonder" - When you are away from someone you love, your feelings for them increase.

Often appears as...

  • you know what they say
  • absence makes the heart grow fonder

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "absence makes the heart grow fonder"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Weight

The phrase often implies a deep emotional longing or nostalgia for a loved one.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
Since moving to college, I find that absence makes the heart grow fonder; I miss my parents more each day.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's a metaphorical expression, not to be understood literally, emphasizing emotional bonds over physical presence.

Illustration for Not Literal
After a year abroad, their reunion proved that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Connotation

This phrase generally carries a positive tone about the strength of relationships.

Illustration for Positive Connotation
Their friendship didn't fade with distance; instead, absence made the heart grow fonder.
Visual representation of the word "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"

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