Loved: meaning, definitions and examples

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loved

 

[lʌvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing deep affection or fondness for someone or something.

Synonyms

admired, adored, cherished, treasured.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loved

Use 'loved' to express general affection or deep care for someone or something. It's broad and versatile, suitable for various relationships.

  • She felt truly loved by her family.
  • They loved their time spent together.
adored

Use 'adored' to express a stronger, more intense form of love, often indicating a deep, affectionate admiration. It usually conveys a sense of warm and genuine fondness.

  • She adored her little puppy.
  • They adored each other from the very first moment.
cherished

Use 'cherished' when you want to convey a deep love and appreciation for someone or something, often with a sense of holding it dear and protecting it. It indicates a lasting affection.

  • He cherished the memories of his childhood.
  • She cherished every moment they spent together.
treasured

Use 'treasured' to express a high value placed on someone or something, often with a sense of preservation and protection. It indicates a deep sense of appreciation and worth.

  • She treasured the necklace her grandmother gave her.
  • They treasured their friendship above all else.
admired

Use 'admired' to show respect or high regard for someone, often because of their qualities, achievements, or skills. It indicates a sense of approval.

  • He admired her dedication to her work.
  • They admired the artist’s latest piece.

Examples of usage

  • I have always loved animals.
  • She loved the idea of travelling around the world.
  • We are loved by our families.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone.

Synonyms

admire, adore, care for, cherish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loved

Used to express deep affection and attachment, often in romantic, familial, or close friend contexts.

  • She felt deeply loved by her family
  • He said he loved her with all his heart
adore

Used to express a very strong liking or admiration, often with a sense of devotion or reverence, frequently in romantic contexts.

  • He absolutely adores his wife
  • She adores her new puppy
care for

Used to convey a sense of responsibility and tenderness towards someone, often in a context of providing help and looking after well-being.

  • She cares for her elderly parents
  • He cares for her deeply and always puts her needs first
cherish

Used to express a sense of nurturing and valuing someone or something deeply, often with a sense of protecting and holding dear.

  • He cherishes every moment they spend together
  • She cherishes the memories of her childhood
admire

Used to show respect or warm approval for someone's qualities, actions, or achievements.

  • I really admire her dedication to her work
  • They all admire his bravery

Examples of usage

  • She loved him with all her heart.
  • He loved her passionately.
  • They have loved each other for years.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'loved' comes from the Old English 'lufian,' which means to hold dear.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*lubō,' showing how ancient cultures valued affection.
  • Many languages have similar words, like 'amare' in Latin, highlighting the universal nature of this strong emotion.

Psychology

  • Studies show that being loved contributes significantly to mental health and well-being.
  • Feeling loved releases oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone,' which helps reduce stress.
  • Loving relationships can enhance emotional resilience, allowing people to cope better with life's challenges.

Literature

  • The theme of love is central in countless literary works, ranging from Shakespeare’s sonnets to modern romance novels.
  • In classic literature, love often drives character actions and shapes plot developments, reflecting its profound impact on human life.
  • Poets frequently use 'loved' to express intense emotions, conveying both joy and heartache.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular songs feature the word as a central theme, expressing longing or affection; think of hits like 'I Will Always Love You.'
  • In movies and television, love stories often dominate, showcasing both the joys and trials of being 'loved' or loving someone.
  • Social media platforms are filled with expressions of love, from hashtags like #LoveWins to digital love letters.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures celebrate love in unique ways, such as Valentine's Day in Western cultures and the Qixi Festival in China.
  • Anthropology shows that the expression of love can vary widely, influencing how relationships are formed and maintained across societies.
  • Art and traditions often explore the nuances of being 'loved,' revealing societal values and beliefs about relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "loved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amado

🇮🇳 प्यार किया

🇩🇪 geliebt

🇮🇩 dicintai

🇺🇦 коханий

🇵🇱 kochany

🇯🇵 愛された

🇫🇷 aimé

🇪🇸 amado

🇹🇷 sevilen

🇰🇷 사랑받는

🇸🇦 محبوب

🇨🇿 milovaný

🇸🇰 milovaný

🇨🇳 被爱

🇸🇮 ljubljen

🇮🇸 elskaður

🇰🇿 сүйікті

🇬🇪 საყვარელი

🇦🇿 sevilən

🇲🇽 amado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,217, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.