Word
loving
Phoneticslov·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫəvɪŋ/
UK/lˈʌvɪŋ/
Definitions
01affectionate
A2 · Elementary
adj. showing a lot of love and care for someone.
adj. feeling or showing great care, affection, or fondness toward others.
“She sent a loving message to her parents to thank them for their help.”
“The child grew up in a loving environment where emotional support was prioritized over material wealth.”
Synonyms
02the act of love
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of showing or feeling love for someone.
n. the action or state of feeling or expressing affection; often used as a gerund.
“A bit of loving and kindness can change someone's whole day.”
“The poet spent his final years exploring the complexities of loving and being loved in return.”
03US legal case
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law American English · Formal
n. a famous US legal case that made it legal for people of different races to marry.
n. a reference to the landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case 'Loving v. Virginia', which invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
“The Loving decision was a major victory for civil rights in America.”
“Legal scholars often cite the Loving case as a foundational precedent for the right to marriage under the Fourteenth Amendment.”
Usage
Stative verb; traditionally used in the simple present, though the present continuous is common in informal speech to emphasize a current experience.
Pitfall
I am loving chocolate
I love chocolate
For permanent preferences, use the simple present; the progressive 'loving' is reserved for temporary, current enjoyment.
Word family
VERB
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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