Loved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'loved'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'loved' comes from the Middle English word 'loven', which is derived from the Old English word 'lufian'. The concept of love has been a central theme in human culture and relationships for centuries, with expressions of love found in art, literature, and music.


See also: lovable, love, loveliness, lovely, lover, loving, lovingly, preloved.

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.