loved

American  

[luhvd] / lʌvd /

adjective

1. held in deep affection; cherished.

   loved companions; much-loved friends.

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Other Word Forms

• unloved adjective
• well-loved adjective

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:

• beloved vs. loved

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

She said she wanted to give another dog a "happy loving home" and the pair had visited Rhosneigr beach together, which Baxter "loved so much".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

"I've always loved the attitude of LA," he says, adding that he's had a home here since the 1970s.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“I loved the beginning of Politico because it was smaller; you knew everybody,” said Allbritton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

During his first campaign, he loved to yell it out on stage at his rallies with a snarling expression, which made the crowds go wild.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

And he saw, now, that it was useless to spend one more moment wondering why she hadn’t loved him.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• adored
• beloved
• cherished