Loving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loving

[ˈlʌvɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

relationship

feeling or showing love or great care

Synonyms

affectionate, caring, devoted, fond, warm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loving	Loving is often used to describe a deep, positive emotion towards someone or something, usually within close personal relationships like family or partners. She has always been a loving mother. They share a loving bond.
affectionate	Affectionate is used to show physical expressions of love or warmth, like hugs, kisses, or kind touches. It often describes interactions between people who are close. He gave her an affectionate kiss on the forehead. The dog is very affectionate towards its owners.
caring	Caring is used to indicate a concern for the well-being of others, often through actions and attention. It’s broad and can be applied in friendships, family, or professional settings. She is a caring nurse who takes good care of her patients. He is always caring towards his friends.
devoted	Devoted implies a strong dedication and loyalty towards someone or something. It is often used in the context of long-term relationships or commitments. She is devoted to her family. He has been a devoted employee for over 20 years.
fond	Fond indicates a liking or affectionate regard for someone or something, often less intense than love but still positive. It’s more commonly used in informal settings. She is fond of classical music. He has always been fond of his childhood memories.
warm	Warm is used to describe friendly or kind interactions that make others feel comfortable and valued. It’s often used in social or professional contexts. She gave him a warm smile. He has a warm personality.

Examples of usage

a loving relationship
a loving gesture towards someone

^{Context #2 | Noun}

family

a person who is very affectionate towards others

Synonyms

affectionate person, caring individual, kind-hearted soul.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loving	Same as the first usage. Can be repeated to show emphasis or repeated reference. They share a loving relationship built on trust and respect. Her loving actions speak louder than words.
affectionate person	Refers to someone who shows their feelings of love or care through physical touches or kind words. Usually used to describe people who are very expressive in their affection. My grandmother is an affectionate person, always hugging and kissing everyone. Their affectionate nature makes them very approachable.
caring individual	Describes someone who is attentive to others' needs and feelings, often taking action to help or comfort. This term is versatile and can be used in a variety of situations, including professional and personal relationships. She is seen as a caring individual who always takes time to listen to her friends. A caring individual like him is invaluable in healthcare.
kind-hearted soul	Used to describe someone with a very kind and gentle nature. This phrase is often used in a more poetic or sentimental context. He is a kind-hearted soul, always willing to help those in need. Everyone in the community respects her as a kind-hearted soul.

Examples of usage

She was known as the loving of the family

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that expressing loving feelings can lead to improved mental health and reduced stress.
Loving relationships have been linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction in numerous studies.
The act of loving activates brain pathways that release oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone.'

Literature

Loving themes are prevalent in classic literature, often depicted in works like Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' emphasizing passion and sacrifice.
In poetry, the concept of loving is frequently explored, with poets using vivid imagery to express affection and longing.
Notable authors like Jane Austen have focused on the complexities of loving relationships, highlighting societal and personal challenges.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures express loving differently; for example, some may value verbal expression, while others prioritize acts of service.
Passionate love is celebrated in various cultures with festivals and rituals, like Valentine's Day in many Western countries.
In some Indigenous cultures, loving might be expressed through communal activities, emphasizing the bond with the community as a whole.

Pop Culture

The importance of loving relationships is a central theme in many popular films, like 'The Notebook,' showcasing connections across time.
Songs across genres often revolve around loving feelings, influencing the emotional responses of listeners.
Television shows frequently portray loving friendships and romantic ties, like in 'Friends,' emphasizing camaraderie and support.

Origin of 'loving'

Main points about word origin

The word 'loving' comes from the Old English word 'lufu,' which means love or affection.
Its roots can also be traced to the Proto-Germanic word 'lubō,' indicating a deep emotional attachment.
Over centuries, the meaning expanded to describe not just romantic love but also familial and platonic affection.

The word 'loving' originated from the Old English word 'lufu', which means love. Over time, it evolved to 'lufian' meaning to love. The adjective 'loving' first appeared in the 14th century, describing someone who shows affection and care towards others.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,491, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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