Proverb – Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
We feel more affection for someone when we are apart from them.
What Does It Mean?
We feel more affection for someone when we are not with them. We often like something or someone more when they are far away — separation from someone can make our feelings for them stronger, rather than weaker.
You’ll sometimes hear people say it slightly differently, as “absence makes the heart go fonder” — the meaning is the same, but the original and correct version uses “grow.”
Fonder is the comparative adjective of fond. Fond means to have affection or warm feelings for something or someone.
“I’m quite fond of my neighbour’s cat.”
Where Does the Proverb Come From?
The exact phrase is usually traced to the poem “Isle of Beauty” by the English songwriter Thomas Haynes Bayly, published in 1844. The sentiment behind it, though, is much older — similar ideas about distance strengthening affection appear in classical Roman poetry, showing this is a very old piece of human wisdom, not a modern one. Read more on the Phrase Finder.
How to Use It
- “She’s studying abroad for a year, but honestly? Absence makes the heart grow fonder — we video call every night.”
- “I didn’t realise how much I’d miss my hometown until I moved away. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose.”
- “Do you think absence makes the heart grow fonder, or is it more a case of out of sight, out of mind?”
Related Expressions:
- Apple of My Eye – Idiom
- Bae – Slang
- Chat Up – Phrasal Verb
- Flower – Photo Vocabulary
- Make Out – Phrasal Verb
- Puppy Love – Slang
- Vase – Photo Vocabulary
What is a proverb?
A proverb is short, useful and well known expression. A proverb will state a general or obvious truth or a useful piece of advice. A proverb might teach you how to have a good life. A proverb may teach you to be healthy or kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means that being away from someone you care about tends to increase your affection for them, rather than reduce it. Distance often makes us appreciate a person more.
The exact wording is often traced to the poem “Isle of Beauty” by Thomas Haynes Bayly (1844), though the sentiment is much older — similar ideas appear in Roman poetry centuries earlier.
Yes — “out of sight, out of mind” expresses the opposite idea: that we forget people or things once they’re no longer around.
Test Yourself
Discuss:
Is there a similar proverb in your culture? Tell us on X — @EnglishStudy.
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