Beloved: meaning, definitions and examples

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beloved

 

[bɪˈlʌvɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

noun

dearly loved

Synonyms

cherished, darling, dear, loved.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beloved

This word is often used to describe someone or something that is dearly loved and treasured, often in a heartfelt or respectful manner. It can be used for both people and things.

  • He always spoke of his beloved grandmother.
  • Paris is one of the most beloved cities in the world.
dear

A versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It can refer to someone you have affection for, such as a friend or family member. It is also often used in letter salutations.

  • Dear John, I hope this letter finds you well.
  • She's a dear friend of mine.
darling

This word is often used as a term of endearment for someone you care about deeply. It can be used in romantic relationships or affectionately towards family members. It can sometimes sound old-fashioned or overly sentimental.

  • My darling, I missed you so much.
  • Darling, could you please help me with dinner?
loved

Simple and direct, this word is used to describe someone who has the affection of others. It doesn't carry the same depth as 'beloved' or 'cherished' but is straightforward and clear.

  • She was loved by everyone who knew her.
  • He felt loved and accepted in his new school.
cherished

Use this term to convey a sense of deep affection and value, often for someone or something that holds a special place in one's heart. It implies a lasting and tender emotion.

  • She kept a box of her cherished memories on the shelf.
  • His cherished childhood toys were stored in the attic.

Examples of usage

  • a beloved child
  • her beloved husband
Context #2 | Noun

literature

a much-loved person

Examples of usage

  • the novelist and his beloved

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'beloved' comes from the Old English 'be-lofian,' meaning to love or praise.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to relate closely to the idea of someone dearly loved or cherished.
  • In literature, the term has been around since the 13th century, often used in poetry and prose to express deep affection.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use the term 'beloved' to signify deep emotional connections, such as in the works of Shakespeare.
  • Toni Morrison’s novel 'Beloved' explores the haunting memories of freedom and the complex love of motherhood.
  • 'Beloved' is often used in romantic poetry to denote a loved one, resonating throughout various literary eras.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, specific names or titles are given to 'beloved' family members, signifying their importance and role in the family.
  • In many societies, the concept of being 'beloved' often ties into rituals of love and remembrance, celebrating relationships between individuals.
  • Songs and art frequently evoke the theme of 'beloved,' highlighting the beauty and pain of love and loss.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'beloved' can dramatically improve a person's mental health and overall well-being, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Studies show that deep love and caring relationships can lead to lower stress levels and better resilience to life's challenges.
  • Being seen as 'beloved' often contributes to stronger attachments and positive social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • 'Beloved' has been referenced in countless songs, movies, and shows, emphasizing the universal appeal of love.
  • The term is often seen in modern romance novels, presenting relationships through the lens of deep affection and connection.
  • Social media has popularized the phrase 'my beloved' to describe romantic partners, creating a modern way to express strong affection.

Translations

Translations of the word "beloved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amado

🇮🇳 प्रिय

🇩🇪 geliebt

🇮🇩 tercinta

🇺🇦 коханий

🇵🇱 ukochany

🇯🇵 愛する人

🇫🇷 bien-aimé

🇪🇸 amado

🇹🇷 sevgili

🇰🇷 사랑하는 사람

🇸🇦 محبوب

🇨🇿 milovaný

🇸🇰 milovaný

🇨🇳 心爱的人

🇸🇮 ljubljeni

🇮🇸 elskulegur

🇰🇿 сүйікті

🇬🇪 საყვარელი

🇦🇿 əziz

🇲🇽 amado

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,252 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.