Lovely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lovely

[ˈlʌvli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

description

Pleasing and delightful in a way that inspires affection or admiration.

Synonyms

adorable, attractive, beautiful, charming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lovely	Used to describe something or someone that is very attractive and pleasant in a general way. It can refer to personality, appearance, or even objects and environments. She has such a lovely smile. This is a lovely place to have a picnic.
beautiful	Used to describe someone or something that is very pleasing to the senses or mind. Generally refers to high levels of physical attractiveness or remarkable aesthetics. She is a beautiful woman. The sunset over the ocean is beautiful.
charming	Refers to someone or something that is very pleasing and delightful, often because of a special personal quality or charisma. It typically implies a positive and engaging personality. He has a charming personality. This small town is so charming.
attractive	Refers to someone or something that is appealing to look at, often in a way that evokes physical desire or admiration. It is more neutral and can be used for both people and objects. He found her very attractive. The job offer was quite attractive to him.
adorable	Often used in an affectionate manner to describe someone or something that is cute, sweet, and endearing. Commonly used for children, pets, or small and cute objects. That puppy is absolutely adorable. Your baby is so adorable in that outfit.

Examples of usage

The garden was filled with lovely flowers.
She had a lovely smile that brightened up the room.
The sunset painted the sky in lovely shades of pink and orange.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

manner

Used to emphasize an adjective or adverb, especially when expressing approval or pleasure.

Synonyms

attractively, charmingly, delightfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lovely	Suitable for describing something or someone that is beautiful, pleasant, or enjoyable. Often used in casual conversations. She looked lovely in that dress. We had a lovely time at the park.
delightfully	Best used when expressing joy or pleasure due to something that is exceptionally enjoyable or surprising in a pleasing way. The dessert was delightfully sweet. They delightfully surprised her with a birthday party.
charmingly	Appropriate for describing actions or characteristics that are endearing, delightful, and likely to win others over, often with a sense of personal warmth. He spoke so charmingly that everyone was captivated. The old town was charmingly adorned with fairy lights.
attractively	Used to describe something or someone in an appealing or interesting way, often focusing on physical appearance. The model posed attractively for the camera. The house was attractively decorated for the holidays.

Examples of usage

She sings so lovely that it brings tears to my eyes.
They decorated the room very lovely for the party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many poets, including William Shakespeare, have used 'lovely' to describe beauty in nature and love.
In children's literature, 'lovely' is often used to depict happy feelings and pleasant characters.
The term often appears in romantic literature, emphasizing deep affection between characters.

Pop Culture

'Lovely' became widely recognized through various songs, with lyrics celebrating romance and beauty.
In many films, the term is used to describe a friend's kind gesture or a beautiful setting, enhancing emotional moments.
Fashion and lifestyle influencers frequently use 'lovely' to describe enchanting places and experiences.

Psychology

Positive words like 'lovely' can trigger feelings of happiness and improve mood when used in conversation.
Using terms of affection enhances social bonds, making interactions feel warmer and more personal.
'Lovely' evokes positive imagery, which can be beneficial for mental well-being in stressful times.

Art

'Lovely' often describes paintings and sculptures that evoke feelings of joy and admiration.
In visual art, colors associated with 'lovely' often include soft pastels, which can create a calming effect.
Many artists aim to capture the essence of beauty through the lens of 'lovely' in their work.

Origin of 'lovely'

Main points about word origin

The word 'lovely' comes from the Old English 'luflic', which meant 'full of love'.
In the 14th century, the term started being used to describe things that inspired love or affection.
The ending '-ly' is an adverbial suffix that makes the word describe a quality or characteristic.

The word 'lovely' originated from the Middle English word 'lovly', which was derived from the Old English word 'luflic'. It has been used to describe something delightful or attractive since the 14th century. Over time, 'lovely' has retained its positive connotation and is widely used in modern English to express admiration or approval.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,302, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4299 recreation
4300 disputes
4301 transformed
4302 lovely
4303 player
4304 profitable
4305 afforded
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