Lovingly

/ˈlʌvɪŋli/

adverbBeginner📊CommonEmotion
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

In a manner that expresses love or affection.

/ˈlʌvɪŋli/

adverbpositiveBeginner
Emotion

In a way that shows love, affection, or care

He held her hand lovingly.

💡 Simply: It's like when you give someone a big, warm hug and tell them you care about them. You're doing it lovingly!

👶 For kids: When you do something with a lot of love, like giving a hug or a kiss, you are doing it lovingly.

More Examples

2

The dog licked her face lovingly.

3

She prepared the meal lovingly, with special care.

How It's Used

Everyday conversation

"She looked at him lovingly."

Literature

"The mother stroked her child's hair lovingly."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From 'loving' + '-ly'. 'Loving' comes from the Old English word 'lufian' (to love). The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs.

The word 'lovingly' has been in use since at least the 14th century, appearing in various texts describing acts of affection.

Memory tip

Think of a warm hug and gentle words. 'Lovingly' is how those actions are done.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"The root 'love' comes from the Old English 'lufu,' meaning 'love, affection, friendliness.' The suffix '-ly' comes from Old English '-lice,' meaning 'in a manner or way.' The combination means 'in a loving way.'"

look lovinglycaress lovinglystroke lovinglyembrace lovinglycare for lovingly

Common misspellings

lovinlyloveingly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written