Meaning
Being separated from someone you love or care about makes you appreciate them and feel even more affection for them.
It describes how time spent apart reinforces feelings of love and affection rather than weakening them.
Origin
The sentiment dates back to Roman times (Sextus Propertius wrote Semper in absentes felicior aestus amantes). The modern English phrasing stems from Thomas Haynes Bayly’s 1832 song Isles of Beauty, which featured the famous line: «Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Isle of Beauty, fare thee well!»
Examples
After spending three months studying abroad, they realized that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
We used to fight over small details, but being apart for a month showed us that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Don’t worry about traveling for work; remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
A: Do you miss your partner when he travels for business?
B: Yes, but absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' mean?
Being separated from someone you love or care about makes you appreciate them and feel even more affection for them.
It describes how time spent apart reinforces feelings of love and affection rather than weakening them.