love
noun (countable)
UK/lʌv/US/lʌv/
A fondness or pleasure in something.
Example Sentences
She has a love for painting and spends hours in her studio.
His love of music led him to become a talented musician.
They share a love of hiking and often explore new trails together.
Her love for reading inspired her to pursue a career in literature.
He developed a love for cooking after attending culinary school.
Their love for travel takes them to different countries every year.
She expressed her love for gardening through her beautifully maintained backyard.
His love of technology drives him to stay updated with the latest gadgets.
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Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/lʌv/US/lʌv/
To take great pleasure or enjoyment in something.
Example Sentences
She loves playing the piano.
He loves watching action movies.
They love hiking in the mountains.
We love eating Italian food.
She loves painting landscapes.
He loves gardening on weekends.
They love attending live concerts.
I love reading mystery novels.
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interjection
UK/lʌv/US/lʌv/
Used to express a range of emotions including surprise, joy, or enthusiasm.
Example Sentences
Love! I can't believe we won the game.
Love, you are the best!
Their love was the talk of the town.
Love, what a surprise to see you here.
Love! That's fantastic news.
Love, let's celebrate this achievement.
Love, I'm so proud of you.
She wrote a poem expressing her love.
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How to Use
An intense feeling of deep affection, devotion, or caring for someone or something.“Love” is both a noun and a verb, encompassing strong emotional attachment, empathy, and devotion. When used as a verb (“I love you,” “They love hiking”), it conveys a personal, powerful bond or passion toward a person, activity, or object. The feeling may include tenderness, respect, support, and sometimes romantic or familial aspects. As a noun (“Their love is evident,” “Love conquers all”), it represents the emotion itself—affection, commitment, or warmth that drives people to care deeply for another.Different types of love appear across relationships: romantic love, which often entails intimacy and emotional closeness; familial love, which binds parents, children, and relatives; platonic love, centering on strong friendships; and self-love, signifying respect and compassion for oneself. The context usually shapes which form of love applies. You might say “I love my job” to highlight a strong, fulfilling interest, or “I love you” to express dedication and sentiment toward a partner or family member. In everyday speech, “love” is commonly employed as a light exclamation of approval—“I love your new haircut!”—though it also holds profound emotional depth, reflecting an essential, universal human experience. Whether romantic, platonic, familial, or spiritual, “love” signifies a caring connection that transcends routine positivity, underlining selfless action, mutual support, and emotional intimacy. A key to using “love” effectively lies in clarifying context—who or what is loved, and the nature of the bond—so that listeners or readers grasp the depth and sincerity conveyed.
Alternatives
Synonyms and related words vary, reflecting the intensity, type, or form of affection you mean. “Adore,” “cherish,” and “treasure” all connote deep fondness. “Adore” suggests reverence or admiration (e.g., “I adore my grandmother”), while “cherish” underscores thoughtful nurturing (“They cherish their time together”). “Treasure” emphasizes seeing something or someone as precious. For a softer tone, “like,” “care for,” or “be fond of” speak to less intense yet positive feeling—particularly if you’re describing casual preferences (“I like this band,” “I’m fond of that bakery”). In more formal or abstract contexts, you might use “devotion,” “admiration,” or “affection”—though each frames the relationship slightly differently. Synonym choice may also depend on context—romantic, familial, spiritual, or general interest—so tailor your word to pinpoint the precise kind or degree of fondness you intend to convey.
Writing
When writing about “love,” decide whether you want to explore romantic, familial, platonic, or other nuances. In stories or novels, demonstrating love involves showing actions—like sacrifices characters make or how they support each other—rather than merely stating it. Describing physical gestures (embraces, gentle touches) or emotional responses (teary-eyed joy, warm contentment) lends authenticity to the feeling. In essays or non-fiction, clarifying types or dimensions of love can bolster your argument: compare different cultural expressions of love, or highlight psychological research on attachment. Use the term judiciously in academic or professional texts, pairing it with data or theories if you’re analyzing human relationships. In more reflective or personal writing, “love” may appear frequently but should still be backed by vivid examples—subtle everyday acts or heartfelt stories that anchor the intangible emotion in concrete moments. Lastly, keep the reader’s perspective in mind—universal experiences of affection resonate broadly, but you’ll convey more depth by showing how love manifests in distinct scenarios (child-parent relationships, long-distance romances, intense friendships). Specific details—“He called every day just to check on her,” “She saved a piece of her favorite dessert for him”—make “love” tangible and credible. Vary synonyms or expand on “love’s” qualities to avoid repetition, and choose apt imagery or anecdotes that shine a genuine light on this powerful, multifaceted emotion.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “love” can be used in a range of intensities. You might say “I love this song!” or “I love pizza!” to simply express strong preference or enjoyment, and people instinctively understand the tone is less profound than a statement like “I love my family.” For relationships, “I love you” is generally reserved for close bonds—partners, close friends, or family members—signaling emotional attachment and warmth. More casual remarks often float around compliments: “I love your outfit!” or “I love your new haircut!” praising someone’s style. People also casually toss it in texts—“Love ya!”—to show affection among close friends or siblings. Keep in mind that “love” in such contexts, though genuine, often carries a lighter, breezier connotation compared to deeper confessions or emotional expressions of adoration. In group chats or social media posts, “I love it!” or “Love this!” often reacts to memes, photos, or shared moments. Additionally, “I’d love to!” frequently appears as a polite acceptance of invitations, e.g., “I’d love to hang out this weekend.” The tone remains friendly, enthusiastic, and open. Whether discussing an item, an opportunity, or a relationship, “love” in casual settings underscores a mix of pleasure, admiration, and positivity without delving too heavily into serious emotional depth. Friends, families, and social circles use it to reaffirm their connections, highlight mutual interests, and maintain a vibe of closeness or excitement.
Etymology
“Love” comes from Old English “lufu,” related to Proto-Germanic *luƀō. This root exists in various Germanic languages—for example, Old High German “luba” and Old Norse “lof,” all pointing to feelings of desire, affection, or approval. In Old English, “love” covered a broad spectrum, from romantic and familial warmth to friendship and even loyalty toward kings or gods, aligning with the strong communal and societal values of that era.As medieval society shifted with feudalism, chivalry, and religious devotion, writers and poets increasingly explored love’s facets in romances, songs, and courtly literature, crafting ideals around romantic love and noble affection. By the Middle English and Renaissance periods, “love” was firmly established in religious texts, romantic epics, and everyday speech to encapsulate everything from deep companionship to spiritual devotion. Over time, as English spread globally through trade, colonization, and cultural exchange, “love” absorbed diverse cultural perspectives, shaping modern usage that spans casual references and profound emotional statements alike. Its many nuances—romantic, friendly, familial, or abstract—reflect the enduring human need to connect and care across varied relationships and contexts. Whether a quick exclamation (“Love it!”) or a solemn vow (“I love you forever”), this ancient word resonates through centuries of shifting language, consistently pointing to the strong bond and warmth people hold dear.
