Belove

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Characterized by deep affection or strong emotional attachment
2. signifying a cherished bond that transcends mere liking
3. expressing profound care or endearment towards someone or something

Etymology: The verb "belove" is an archaic formation that once functioned as a causative or intensive form related to the verb "love." It is constructed from the prefix "be-" attached to "love," a pattern common in Middle English where "be-" often served to intensify or add a sense of completeness to the root verb. In this case, "belove" would mean to cause to love or to love deeply and thoroughly. This prefix "be-" derives from Old English, where it was frequently employed to turn nouns or adjectives into verbs, or to add a sense of around, about, or affect. Over time, many such verbs formed with "be-" have fallen out of everyday use, surviving only in poetic or archaic contexts. The base word "love" itself comes from Old English "lufu," which has Germanic roots tied to affection and desire. "Belove" appears in Middle English texts, roughly around the 14th to 15th centuries, during a period when English was highly flexible with verb formation and experimentation in affixation was common. Writers sometimes used it poetically to convey a stronger or more encompassing form of love, or to emphasize the act of causing affection in others. Though rare and obsolete in modern English, this verb form offers a glimpse into historical linguistic creativity. It illustrates how prefixes like "be-" could modify verbs to create nuanced shades of meaning, a practice that has largely disappeared, leaving behind simpler constructions like "beloved" as an adjective or noun rather than a verb.

Synonyms: love, cherish, adore, treasure, esteem

Antonyms: hate, detest, despise, dislike, loathe