love
1 of 2noun
ˈləv 
1
a(1)
: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
maternal love for a child
(2)
: attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers
After all these years, they are still very much in love.
(3)
: affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests
love for his old schoolmates
b
: an assurance of affection
give her my love
2
: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
love of the sea
3
a
: the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration
baseball was his first love
b(1)
: a beloved person : darling —often used as a term of endearment
(2)
British —used as an informal term of address
4
a
: unselfish loyal and benevolent (see benevolent sense 1a) concern for the good of another: such as
(1)
: the fatherly concern of God for humankind
(2)
: brotherly concern for others
b
: a person's adoration of God
5
: a god (such as Cupid or Eros) or personification of love
6
: an amorous episode : love affair
7
: the sexual embrace : copulation
8
: a score of zero (as in tennis)
9
capitalized Christian Science : god
love
2 of 2verb
ˈləv
loved; loving
transitive verb
1
: to hold dear : cherish
2
a
: to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for
b(1)
: caress
(2)
: to fondle amorously
(3)
: to copulate with
3
: to like or desire actively : take pleasure in
loved to play the violin
4
: to thrive in
the rose loves sunlight
intransitive verb
: to feel affection or experience desire
Synonyms
Noun
- affection
- attachment
- devotedness
- devotion
- fondness
- passion
Verb
- appreciate
- cherish
- prize
- treasure
- value
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun Mr. Brown seems to imply that when he retired he relinquished her love as casually as he dispensed with her secretarial services. 
Ken Follett, New York Times Book Review, 27 Dec. 1987 … Eddie sees Vince's pure love of pool, and after years of thinking of the game as merely a hustle, the older man suddenly falls back in love with the game himself. Maureen Dowd, New York Times Magazine, 28 Sept. 1986 Aunt Polly knelt down and prayed for Tom so touchingly, so appealingly, and with such measureless love in her words and her old trembling voice, that he was weltering in tears again, long before she was through. Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, 1876 Allworthy thus answered: " … I have always thought love the only foundation of happiness in a married state, as it can only produce that high and tender friendship which should always be the cement of this union … " Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, 1749 Children need unconditional love from their parents. He was just a lonely man looking for love. Verb People loved him for his brashness and talent, his crazy manglings of the English language, his brawling, boyish antics … and I loved him, too, I loved him as much as anyone in the world. Paul Auster, Granta, Winter 1994 Lying awake, listening to the sound of his father's breathing, he knew there was no one in the world he loved so much. William Maxwell, New Yorker, 15 May 1989 I love either rushing off into abstractions, or shamelessly talking personalities. Elizabeth Bowen, letter, 28 Apr. 1923 "Nay," said Elizabeth, "this is not fair. You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any body. I only want to think you perfect, and you set yourself against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal good will. You need not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well." Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813 She obviously loves her family very much. You have to love in order to be loved. He swore that he loved her madly. She said she could never marry a man she didn't love. See More
Ken Follett, New York Times Book Review, 27 Dec. 1987 … Eddie sees Vince's pure love of pool, and after years of thinking of the game as merely a hustle, the older man suddenly falls back in love with the game himself. Maureen Dowd, New York Times Magazine, 28 Sept. 1986 Aunt Polly knelt down and prayed for Tom so touchingly, so appealingly, and with such measureless love in her words and her old trembling voice, that he was weltering in tears again, long before she was through. Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, 1876 Allworthy thus answered: " … I have always thought love the only foundation of happiness in a married state, as it can only produce that high and tender friendship which should always be the cement of this union … " Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, 1749 Children need unconditional love from their parents. He was just a lonely man looking for love. Verb People loved him for his brashness and talent, his crazy manglings of the English language, his brawling, boyish antics … and I loved him, too, I loved him as much as anyone in the world. Paul Auster, Granta, Winter 1994 Lying awake, listening to the sound of his father's breathing, he knew there was no one in the world he loved so much. William Maxwell, New Yorker, 15 May 1989 I love either rushing off into abstractions, or shamelessly talking personalities. Elizabeth Bowen, letter, 28 Apr. 1923 "Nay," said Elizabeth, "this is not fair. You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any body. I only want to think you perfect, and you set yourself against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal good will. You need not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well." Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813 She obviously loves her family very much. You have to love in order to be loved. He swore that he loved her madly. She said she could never marry a man she didn't love. See More Recent Examples on the Web Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2022 But there are 15 additional games that deserve equal love from first-time bettors. Xl Media, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Maybe there is: a restaurant that gets almost as much love for its cool bathroom (think lots of neon lights) as for its food. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Zara shares her grandmother's love for riding horses with an impressive equestrian career dating back to the early 2000s. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 By the time of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Queen Elizabeth was the subject of a four-day love fest that included a waterborne procession on the River Thames that rivaled a medieval pageant. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 After graduating from the University of Exeter, Zara went on to have a successful equestrian career, sharing her mother's love of horses. Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2022 The blueprint of how Black love is depicted on-screen in the modern era, Love Jones followed two artists falling quickly and deeply for each other in late 90s Chicago. Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 Their consistently excellent fare, creative plates and playful aura to me seemed a love match for the festive nature of brunch. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 Some might love it, while others might be skeptical. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 8 Sep. 2022 Also returning are the clue packages fans know and love — but the first impression guesses and Golden Ear Trophy competition among the judges are not returning. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2022 Plenty of coaches love to pound home the idea that a team isn’t receiving its proper due. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 Add it up, Einstein — people love to watch football. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2022 Fans love the wholesome competition show for its positive tone, simplistic style and oh-so-sweet creations. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2022 Pugh, however, didn't love the attention the steamy sequences brought. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2022 As drivers turn their attention to the final race of 2022, McLaughlin would love to keep the momentum rolling. Mitchell Forde, oregonlive, 4 Sep. 2022 See More
Noun
And don't count out the TV Academy's love for Sweeney, who's also nominated for The White Lotus. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2022 But there are 15 additional games that deserve equal love from first-time bettors. Xl Media, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Maybe there is: a restaurant that gets almost as much love for its cool bathroom (think lots of neon lights) as for its food. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Zara shares her grandmother's love for riding horses with an impressive equestrian career dating back to the early 2000s. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 By the time of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Queen Elizabeth was the subject of a four-day love fest that included a waterborne procession on the River Thames that rivaled a medieval pageant. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 After graduating from the University of Exeter, Zara went on to have a successful equestrian career, sharing her mother's love of horses. Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2022 The blueprint of how Black love is depicted on-screen in the modern era, Love Jones followed two artists falling quickly and deeply for each other in late 90s Chicago. Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 Their consistently excellent fare, creative plates and playful aura to me seemed a love match for the festive nature of brunch. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 Verb
Campaign reporters love to write about fund-raising totals because the numbers are tangible while so much else in political coverage is not. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 Some might love it, while others might be skeptical. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 8 Sep. 2022 Also returning are the clue packages fans know and love — but the first impression guesses and Golden Ear Trophy competition among the judges are not returning. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2022 Plenty of coaches love to pound home the idea that a team isn’t receiving its proper due. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 Add it up, Einstein — people love to watch football. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2022 Fans love the wholesome competition show for its positive tone, simplistic style and oh-so-sweet creations. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2022 Pugh, however, didn't love the attention the steamy sequences brought. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2022 As drivers turn their attention to the final race of 2022, McLaughlin would love to keep the momentum rolling. Mitchell Forde, oregonlive, 4 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Old English lufu; akin to Old High German luba love, Old English lēof dear, Latin lubēre, libēre to please
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Phrases Containing love
Kids Definition
love 1 of 2
noun
ˈləv
1
: strong and warm affection (as of a parent for a child)
2
: a great liking
a love for reading
3
: a beloved person
love
2 of 2verb
loved; loving
1
: to feel strong affection for
He loves his family.
2
: to like very much
She loves to ski.
love 1 of 2
verb
1
as in to value
to hold dear patriots who loved their country well enough to die for it Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- value
- treasure
- appreciate
- enjoy
- cherish
- respect
- admire
- like
- prize
- regard
- relish
- reverence
- revere
- set store on
- fancy
- adore
- venerate
- set store by
- dig
- idolize
- esteem
- memorialize
- caress
- worship
- delight (in)
- enshrine
- groove (on)
- apprize
- revel (in)
- dote (on)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hate
- despise
- loathe
- detest
- abhor
- undervalue
- disdain
- abominate
- disvalue
- scorn
- slight
- forget
- minimize
- execrate
- sniff (at)
- scout
- disparage
- abandon
- decry
- snub
- neglect
- depreciate
- belittle
- deprecate
- kiss off
- write off
- put down
- cry down
- bad-mouth
- high-hat
2
as in to adore
to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for a husband who loves his wife more than anything Synonyms & Similar Words
- adore
- cherish
- worship
- fall for
- reverence
- revere
- idolize
- idealize
- carry the torch (for)
- lose one's heart (to)
- carry a torch (for)
- venerate
- adulate
- canonize
- deify
- dote (on)
- delight (in)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hate
- despise
- loathe
- detest
- abhor
- dislike
- abominate
- execrate
- antagonize
- displease
- disapprove (of)
- revolt
- disgust
- disfavor
- sicken
- repel
- repulse
- nauseate
- turn off
3
as in to enjoy
to take pleasure in I love playing Frisbee in the summer rain Synonyms & Similar Words
- enjoy
- like
- relish
- adore
- savor
- admire
- appreciate
- fancy
- take to
- savour
- go for
- revere
- dig
- get a charge out of
- delight (in)
- prefer
- rejoice (in)
- be partial to
- value
- have a soft spot for
- get off (on)
- cherish
- get a kick out of
- groove (on)
- treasure
- revel (in)
- worship
- venerate
- idolize
- prize
- devour
- favor
- dote (on)
- feast (on)
- drink (in)
- cotton (to)
- eat (up)
- luxuriate (in)
- indulge (in)
- wallow (in)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hate
- dislike
- loathe
- detest
- abhor
- despise
- condemn
- abominate
- scorn
4
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner the baby responded to my caresses and kisses by loving me right back Synonyms & Similar Words
- caress
- pat
- stroke
- hug
- pet
- fondle
- gentle
- cuddle
- snuggle
- cradle
- spoon
- baby
- feel up
- neck
- embrace
- paw
- nuzzle
- canoodle
- nose
- bill
- indulge
- nestle
- enfold
- pamper
- spoil
- massage
- knead
- dandle
- coddle
- bounce
- mollycoddle
love
2 of 2noun
1
as in affection
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone her love for her children was truly selfless Synonyms & Similar Words
- affection
- passion
- devotion
- fondness
- respect
- desire
- enthusiasm
- longing
- appreciation
- like
- adoration
- liking
- attachment
- infatuation
- devotedness
- craving
- loyalty
- preference
- relish
- lust
- taste
- regard
- crush
- zeal
- yearning
- eagerness
- worship
- fancy
- fervor
- fidelity
- favor
- esteem
- allegiance
- faithfulness
- partiality
- ardor
- appetite
- idolatry
- adulation
- steadfastness
- estimation
- idolization
- fealty
- deification
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hate
- hatred
- dislike
- loathing
- hostility
- enmity
- animosity
- abomination
- antagonism
- rancor
- allergy
- disgust
- antipathy
- aversion
- revulsion
- repulsion
- abhorrence
- repugnance
- disfavor
- misanthropy
2
as in darling
a person with whom one is in love she is the love of my life Synonyms & Similar Words
- darling
- sweetheart
- sweetie
- lover
- dear
- sweet
- beloved
- girlfriend
- boyfriend
- girl
- wife
- flame
- husband
- truelove
- boy
- honey
- hon
- squeeze
- mistress
- sweetie pie
- bride
- gal
- man
- amour
- pet
- beau
- admirer
- paramour
- fellow
- date
- steady
- swain
- doll
- groom
- crush
- fiancé
- ladylove
- tootsie
- lass
- inamorata
- duck(s)
- significant other
- intended
- wooer
- escort
- suitor
- gallant
- heartthrob
3
as in like
positive regard for something a love of chocolate, which I will pay anything to indulge Synonyms & Similar Words
- like
- liking
- preference
- craving
- taste
- fondness
- use
- appetite
- enthusiasm
- relish
- desire
- tendency
- thirst
- fancy
- love affair
- favor
- shine
- longing
- interest
- partiality
- passion
- prejudice
- weakness
- inclination
- hankering
- bias
- propensity
- leaning
- yen
- bent
- tooth
- gusto
- palate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hatred
- dislike
- disgust
- loathing
- distaste
- aversion
- indifference
- disfavor
- mislike
- apathy
- disinclination
- unconcern
4
as in fling
a brief romantic relationship he refused to discuss past loves Synonyms & Similar Words
- fling
- romance
- affair
- affaire
- love affair
- amour
- intrigue
- infatuation
- liaison
- flirtation
- attachment
- passion
- dalliance
- entanglement
- idyll
- hanky-panky
- puppy love
- calf-love
- idyl