Lovyng

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Full of affection and tenderness toward another person ; the act or state of holding someone dear in one's heart
2. Showing warm, devoted care for someone ; the experience of feeling deep attachment and fondness for another
3. Tender and caring in disposition ; the condition of being attached to and cherishing another being

Etymology: "Lovyng" is a Middle English spelling of "loving," the present participle of "love." In Middle English, the letter "y" often stood in for "i" and the "-ing" ending appeared in many spellings, so this form was the everyday spelling of the adjective and participle in manuscripts of Chaucer's period. The verb behind it goes back to Old English "lufian," which came from the noun "lufu," "love." The Old English root is shared with "lief," meaning "dear" or "willing," which is still visible in the archaic phrase "I'd as lief." "Believe" is also related, since its Old English ancestor "geliefan" combined the same root with a prefix. So "lovyng," "lief," and "believe" all descend from one ancient stem, once tied to the idea of holding something dear.