Dilection

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A feeling of deep affection or fondness toward a person or thing
2. An emotional attachment characterized by love and devotion to someone or something
3. Strong and tender affection felt toward a beloved individual or object

Etymology: "Dilection" comes from Latin "dilectio," a noun built on the verb "diligere," meaning to esteem, prize, or love. The Latin verb itself combined "dis-" (apart, away) with "legere" (to choose, pick out), so its original sense was roughly to pick out one thing from others and set a high value on it. That idea of selecting and prizing carries through to the English word, which means a deep, loving affection. The English word is closely related to "diligent," which comes from the same Latin verb through its present participle "diligens." The two words share a root, so "dilection" and "diligent" are cousins: one describes the feeling of prizing someone, the other the steady care that comes from applying oneself to a task.

Synonyms: affection, fondness, preference, love, attachment

Antonyms: dislike, aversion, hatred, indifference, disdain