loved

The word “loved” means held dear; cherished by someone. In plain terms, cared for and cherished.

“Loved” is pronounced luhvd (/lʌvd/ in IPA).

Here is “loved” used in a sentence: “She was deeply loved by her whole family.”

“Loved” is an adjective.

“Loved” is a very common word in modern English.

Both mean held dear, but they differ in tone and use. 'Loved' is the everyday word — 'a much-loved teacher,' 'she felt loved.' 'Beloved' is stronger and more formal or poetic, often placed before a noun or used as a term of endearment: 'my beloved friend,' 'dearly beloved.'

'Loved' describes someone or something that receives love — the object of affection: 'a loved child.' 'Loving' describes someone who gives love or shows it: 'a loving parent.' In short, a loved person is cherished by others, while a loving person is warm and affectionate toward others.

To feel loved is to sense that you are held dear and valued by someone — that your presence matters and you are cared for. It often comes from warmth, attention, kindness, and being accepted as you are. Feeling loved brings comfort and security, and is widely seen as a basic human need.

The opposite is 'unloved,' 'hated,' or 'despised,' depending on how strong you want to be. 'Unloved' describes someone who receives no love or affection; 'hated' and 'despised' add active dislike. Where 'loved' means cherished and held dear, its opposites range from simply neglected to strongly disliked.