beloved

[bih-luhv-id, -luhvd]

adjective

1. greatly loved; dear to the heart.

   Synonyms: darling, sweet, precious

noun

1. a person who is greatly loved.

beloved

/ bɪˈlʌvɪd, -ˈlʌvd /

adjective

1. dearly loved

noun

1. a person who is dearly loved, such as a wife or husband

Other Word Forms

• prebeloved adjective
• superbeloved adjective
• unbeloved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of beloved¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English biloved “loved,” past participle of biloven “to like, love”; equivalent to be- + love + -ed ²

Example Sentences

The Condor Club acknowledged “the tragic death of our beloved general manager Mark Calcagni” in a Wednesday statement, saying that his sudden passing has been met with shock and sorrow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She called on fans to “to be prayer warriors and pray with me” as the beloved multi-hyphenate deals with unspecified health issues.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For over a century, Craftsman homes have been beloved across Southern California, from Orange and Long Beach to West Adams and Santa Barbara.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, she lost her beloved husband Carl Dean after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Read more on BBC

He lost his "lovely mum" two years ago and his beloved dog Barney, the inspiration for the Mole character, also died.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• admired www.thesaurus.com
• cherished www.thesaurus.com
• dear 
• esteemed 
• favorite 
• hallowed 
• loved 
• popular 
• prized www.thesaurus.com
• respected www.thesaurus.com
• revered 
• treasured www.thesaurus.com
• venerated www.thesaurus.com
• well-liked