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love

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noun British English pronunciation: love /lʌv/ 
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singularlove
pluralloves
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] a very strong emotional and sexual feeling for someone
    love for:

    the speech in which Romeo expresses his love for Juliet

    in love (with someone):

    I think I’m in love.

    fall in love (with someone) (=to start to love someone):

    They met and fell in love at college.

    head over heels in love/madly in love (=very much in love):

    She’s madly in love with a guy she met in Spain.

    true love (=love that lasts forever):

    I’m not sure I believe in true love.

    unrequited love (=when you love someone but they do not love you):

    a true story of unrequited love

    unconditional love (=love that forgives everything and asks for nothing):

    Laura was thankful for her father’s support and unconditional love.

    love blossoms/grows:

    Their love blossomed over the years.

    love at first sight (=when you love someone from the first time you see them):

    It was love at first sight when I met Allan.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
  2. 2
    [uncountable] the feeling of liking and caring for someone such as a member of your family or a close friend
    love and affection:

    Children need a lot of love and affection.

    love for:

    his love for his brother

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
    1. a.
      used about things, ideas, places etc
      love of/for:

      He was someone with a great love of life.

      Patriotism may be defined as love for one’s country.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
  3. 3
    [countable] someone who you have a sexual or romantic relationship with
    first love:

    the boy who was her first love

    the love of your life (=the person you have loved most):

    He had lost the love of his life.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
    1. a.
      something that you enjoy very much

      Music was his greatest love.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
  5. 5
    [uncountable] used at the end of a letter to someone you know well
    love (from):

    Hope to see you soon. Love, Ray.

    lots of love (from):

    Take care. Lots of love, Helen.

    all my love (=used for writing to someone you love):

    I can’t wait to see you. All my love, Douglas.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
  6. 6
    [singular] British used for talking to your husband, wife, girlfriend etc

    Did that letter arrive, love?

    my love:

    You know I’ll never leave you, my love.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love
    1. a.
      used by some people when talking to a woman whose name they do not know. Some women find this offensive

      That’ll be three pounds, love.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  loveThesaurus entry for this meaning of love

phrases

This is the British English definition of love. View American English definition of love.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

 

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