What does love mean?
Love is a complex English word describing a strong feeling of affection, attachment, or devotion. It can refer to romance, family bonds, close friendships, and passionate enthusiasm for an activity, place, or idea. As a verb, it expresses both emotional attachment and deep preference: people love one another, a particular song, or the idea of returning home. The word carries positive connotations of tenderness, commitment, and care, although poetry and popular culture also use it for intense or sometimes difficult relationships. Because its meaning varies with context, love can describe both the most intimate human bonds and ordinary acts of strong liking. Its historical roots reach back to Old English, and its familiar presence in greetings, ceremonies, literature, and conversation reflects its central importance in English.
A deep feeling of affection, attachment, or devotion toward another person, thing, or idea.
"Their love has grown stronger over the years."
The noun can indicate romantic devotion, familial affection, friendship, or a strong enthusiasm for an activity or thing.
To feel or express strong affection for someone or something.
"They loved the idea of building a home together."
The verb is frequently followed by a noun, an infinitive, or a gerund naming something deeply valued.
The plural can refer to several people or things that are loved, or to multiple significant attachments or relationships.
"The novel tells the story of the loves and losses of a small community."
Love is one of the few words that can describe both a private feeling and a force that shapes poetry, law, family, and everyday life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does love come from?
The English word comes from Old English lufu, used for affection, fondness, and emotional or sexual love. It belongs to a Germanic family of related words that survives in forms such as German Liebe and Dutch liefde. Over time, its range expanded to include not only personal attachment but also strong enthusiasm for objects, activities, and ideas.
Related word forms
How love is actually used
The noun is common in both formal and informal contexts. Its meanings range from romantic passion and familial devotion to strong enthusiasm, so context determines the intended sense. In informal British usage, "love" can also be used as a friendly form of address.
Easily confused with love
Like can describe a general preference or mild enjoyment, whereas love usually implies a much stronger emotional attachment.
Affection is commonly a tender or friendly feeling, while love can refer to a stronger romantic, passionate, or devotional relationship.