noun

love language

LUV LANG-gwij

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Love language (noun) means the way a person most naturally expresses affection and most wants to receive it, such as through kind words, gifts, time together, helpful acts or physical closeness. Example: “His love language is acts of service, so he shows he cares by fixing things.”

noun

The way a person most naturally expresses affection and most wants to receive it, such as through kind words, gifts, time together, helpful acts or physical closeness.

"His love language is acts of service, so he shows he cares by fixing things."

"We argued less once we worked out that our love languages were completely different."

informal Loosely, any activity or gesture that someone particularly enjoys receiving from others.

"Snacks are my love language."

How to use love language

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe way you most like to give and receive affection.

When to use it

Informal to neutral; common in relationship advice and everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Often used jokingly for anything you love receiving, as in "free food is my love language".

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Common pairings

my love language five love languages different love languages speak someone's love language

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ is acts of service, so he shows he cares by fixing things.

Etymology

A compound of love and language, popularised by relationship self-help writing in the late twentieth century.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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way of showing affection

Rhymes for love language

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Frequently asked questions

What are the five love languages?

They are usually listed as words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. The idea is that most people lean heavily on one or two of these, both in how they show love and in what makes them feel loved.

Can your love language change?

Yes. What people most want from a partner often shifts with circumstances — a new parent starved of help may value acts of service far more than they once did, and long-distance couples often lean on words of affirmation.

Is the love languages idea scientifically proven?

It is a popular self-help framework rather than an established psychological theory, and researchers have questioned whether people really sort into fixed categories. Many couples still find it a useful shorthand for talking about unmet needs.

What is the meaning of love language?

"love language" (noun) means the way a person most naturally expresses affection and most wants to receive it, such as through kind words, gifts, time together, helpful acts or physical closeness.