love
UK[lʌv]US[lʌv]
n
a very strong feeling of affection for someone or something
n
a strong feeling of romantic or sexual attraction for someone
n
a great interest and pleasure in something
v
to feel a strong feeling of affection for someone
v
to feel romantic or sexual attraction for someone
v
to like or enjoy something very much
Etymology
the word 'love' originates from the old english noun 'lufu' and verb 'lufian', which carried meanings of affection, fondness, and deep attachment. these old english terms are traced back to the proto-germanic root 'lubō', signifying love, desire, or pleasure. this germanic root is further connected to the proto-indo-european 'lewbʰ-', meaning 'to care, desire, love', which also gave rise to words in other branches, such as latin 'libet' (it pleases) and 'libido' (desire). the semantic core of deep affection and strong positive attachment has remained remarkably consistent from its ancient roots to its modern, multifaceted usage in english.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from old english. it is not productively composed of separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the mother's love for her child is unconditional.
he fell in love with the city the moment he arrived.
i love listening to jazz on a rainy afternoon.