lover
1 antonym for lover — opposites grouped by meaning.
Noun — A person in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A person in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone.
“In the old play, the two lovers meet secretly by the river.”
2. noun
Someone who has a strong enthusiasm for a particular thing.
“My uncle is a great lover of jazz and owns hundreds of records.”
Opposites
Antonyms
How to use lover
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a lover of music
take a lover
former lovers
Etymology
Comes from Middle English lovere, luffer, lufere, made up of love + -er.
Full origin of lover →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a "lover" and a "partner"?
A "lover" emphasizes the romantic or physical side of a relationship, while "partner" is a broader, more neutral term for the person someone shares a committed relationship with. "Partner" is often preferred in everyday and formal use because it does not foreground the physical side.
What is the difference between "lover" and "boyfriend" or "girlfriend"?
"Boyfriend" and "girlfriend" describe a defined dating relationship, while "lover" is less about status and more about romantic or physical intimacy. "Lover" can sound more intense or old-fashioned and is sometimes used for a secret or extramarital relationship.
Is "lover" a formal or informal word?
In its romantic sense "lover" is fairly informal and emotionally charged, so in formal writing "partner" or "companion" is often used instead. The enthusiast sense, as in "book lover," is neutral and widely acceptable in any register.
