lover
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a person you are having a sexual relationship with, especially if you are not married to them.
a sexual partner, frequently used to describe a participant in an extramarital affair or a non-marital romantic relationship.
Simple“She eventually left her husband to live with her lover.”
In context“The novel explores the complex emotional landscape of two secret lovers who meet in the city every weekend.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
someone who likes or enjoys something very much.
a person who possesses a strong predilection for or devotion to a specific activity, object, or concept.
Simple“As a nature lover, he spends every weekend hiking in the mountains.”
In context“The festival attracts music lovers from across the continent, offering a diverse programme ranging from classical to contemporary jazz.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person you love in a romantic way.
a person with whom one is in a romantic relationship; often used in the plural to describe a couple.
Simple“The two young lovers walked hand in hand through the park.”
In context“In the final act of the play, the star-crossed lovers are reunited under the balcony for one last conversation.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a friendly way to talk to someone, used in some parts of South West England.
a traditional, informal term of address for a friend or acquaintance, characteristic of West Country dialects.
Simple“Alright, lover? How have you been lately?”
In context“The shopkeeper greeted the regular customer with a cheerful 'Morning, lover,' a common salutation in that specific part of Somerset.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is highly regional to South West England; outside of this area, calling a stranger 'lover' may be misunderstood as a sexual advance.