beloved
bih-LUHVD
Beloved (adjective) means Dearly loved. Example: “The villagers gathered to mourn their beloved teacher, who had taught there for decades.”
adjective
1
Dearly loved.
"The villagers gathered to mourn their beloved teacher, who had taught there for decades."
"Her beloved grandmother taught her to bake."
"He returned to his beloved hometown after years abroad."
noun
1
A person who is dearly loved.
"He wrote a letter to his beloved every day while he was away."
"The bride smiled at her beloved as they stood at the altar."
"The poem is addressed to the poet’s beloved."
How to use beloved
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something very dearly loved.
When to use it
A slightly formal or literary word — "beloved wife" reads more formal than "loving wife."
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- beloveds
- Comparative
- more beloved, beloveder
- Superlative
- most beloved, belovedest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The villagers gathered to mourn their _____ teacher, who had taught there for decades.
Etymology
From Middle English beloved, the past participle of an older verb "belove" plus "-ed."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for beloved
See all rhymes for beloved →Frequently asked questions
What does “beloved” mean?
The word “beloved” means dearly loved. In plain terms, someone or something very dearly loved.
How do you pronounce “beloved”?
“Beloved” is pronounced bih-LUHVD (/bɪˈlʌvd/ in IPA).
How do you use “beloved” in a sentence?
Here is “beloved” used in a sentence: “Her beloved grandmother taught her to bake.”
What is the opposite of “beloved”?
The opposite of “beloved” — its antonyms — are disliked, unbeloved and unloved.
What part of speech is “beloved”?
Depending on how it is used, “beloved” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “beloved” come from?
The word “beloved” comes from Middle English. From Middle English beloved, the past participle of an older verb "belove" plus "-ed.".
Is “beloved” a common word?
“Beloved” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “beloved” have?
“Beloved” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dearly loved.
How is beloved pronounced as an adjective versus a noun?
When beloved is used before a noun as an adjective, it is usually pronounced with three syllables, as in "be-lov-ed friend." When it stands alone as a noun meaning a dearly loved person, it is often pronounced with two syllables, as in "my beloved."
What is the difference between beloved and loved?
Beloved is a stronger, more formal or affectionate term meaning dearly loved, often used in tributes, weddings, and literary writing, while loved is the plainer everyday word. Calling someone your beloved carries deeper warmth than simply saying they are loved.
What is the difference between beloved and favourite?
Beloved means dearly loved and expresses genuine affection, while favourite means most preferred among options and can be more casual. A beloved teacher is cherished, whereas a favourite dish is simply the one you like best.
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