loved
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of loved
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; love ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does loved compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Your loved ones are the most important people in your life, usually your family members and closest friends. The adjective loved can describe anything you especially cherish. If you have objects, places, pets, or people in your life that you adore, you know what it means when something is loved. A toddler might insist on bringing her loved teddy bear everywhere. You'll often find this adjective modified by words like "well" or "much," and synonyms include "cherished" and "beloved."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and the entire South African boxing community during this incredibly difficult time," a social media post said.
From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026
She says she would have loved to live on campus and enjoy student life, but the price of renting is "ridiculous" and "insane".
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
Brooks is letting the selections speak for themselves, offering up the movies he loved without feeling the need to make a case for them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
His influences and idols were eclectic; he was an English rock fanatic and a salsa obsessive; he loved everything from Hollywood westerns and gory B-pictures to European art-house cinema.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
New people—that was part of why I loved this place.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
