In many different languages, there is more than one word for love, although I’m finding it hard to pin down how many. There are other words that have similar means (affection, fondness, adoration etc), but they’re really not replacements for the word love, and usually imply a different, often lesser, feeling.
Love can be both a verb and a noun. It can refer to the feelings between a couple, between siblings, between a parent and child, between close friends, or even for a place or object. It encompasses so much, all in one little four letter word.
Such a little word, to describe feelings that can be so huge and awe inspiring, that can take you from the heights of happiness, to the depths of despair. Only one word, to describe so many different things.
And yet, I think there is something to be said for such a simple word. It doesn’t get in the way, it isn’t hard to understand, or for a child to spell when writing an note to their mum. It fits neatly onto a heart (the symbol of love), and looks just write in wooden letters on the wall or a table.
I think it’s probably one of my favourite words.
What do you think? Would it be useful to have more words to represent Love? Or does one word really do it perfectly?
I wish my keyboard had the letters like that! I just think we need to keep spreading lots of love all around.
Yes, it would be handy to have all those letters together, just ready to write the word Love. If writing about love counts as spreading it around, I’m working on it!
I had to look down at my keyboard. I think the word love is sufficient. We all know what is meant when we use it, whether we are using it in relation to people, objects or situation. Love is and always will be the ultimate word (at least in my humble opinion).
I’m rather partial to the world Love myself. 🙂 There’s just something about it isn’t there?
I like the idea of nuance, so would love to live in a culture whose language reflected the diverse nature of love. On the other hand, LOVE is so all encompassing people feed their own values, beliefs, ideas into it. It has become something of an archetype in Western culture I think.
I agree, it has become an archetype. I can see the benefits of both sides. Having one word is good, and having many would be good too.
One of the awesome things about being a writer is that we can use all kinds of words to convey love.
Just finished reading Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless (again) and I love (ha!) how her characters used the word “live” because they weren’t ready to say love but they more than liked each other and love + like = live. So they’d say things like “I live you so much.” It was sweet. So sweet. And rather perfect.
That is sweet. I think couples who make up their own words for things are just too cute.
I think the Greeks had it right when they had four different words for love. I kind of wish the English language had that too. We’d have to add a fifth category for the love you feel toward inanimate objects like chocolate, coffee, etc. 🙂
Yes, the Greeks did seem to have a good spread of words for Love. You’re right, a fifth category would be necessary! Because otherwise you’d have to choose, “Do I love chocolate like a mother loves their child, like my brother, or like my partner?” Could be interesting.
It is a great word! Gassed up for the road trip after a-z
Hi Sandy, and welcome to my blog. I’m excited by the road trip too! Should be fun. (And hopefully a little less busy.)
One word works for me if it comes with the corresponding gesture … such as a hug or another way to show it.
Ohh, yes! Add in some physical signs of love, a particular look, hug, or kiss, and it does add a whole new dimension to it.
Love has no comparisons when it comes to words, you’re right on that. I do like the word but it would be nice to have a few other ways of expressing the varying degrees of love such as between different types of people.
Yes, love is a pretty special word. I still can’t decide if having different words for different types of love would be better or not! Such a dilemma.
One word summons the general school of emotion, but we could certainly have more words to deal with specific elements of it. Not merely the love of the divine versus the love of a mother, but the love in altruistic situations, petty love, hopeless love, and so-on.
Yes, there are so many different types of love! Adding a qualifying word works pretty well in some cases (puppy love comes to mind, LOL).