When it comes to love, the romantic poetry or passion we see in love films and novels is the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, the word LOVE encompasses a wide spectrum of feelings and emotions that we can discover in all kinds of human or non-human relationships. It is a feeling of attachment that we can experience not only toward a person, but also toward an animal, object, or place. It ranges from brotherly affection and friendship – to passion, and compassion toward others.
It is no accident that in order to define the different types of love, the ancient Greeks used four different terms. 'Storge' – for love between relatives and family members. 'Philia' is for attachment and friendship. 'Eros' – for romantic love and passion. And 'ágape' for the most characteristic type of love. In some human relationships, two or more types of love can exist.
Usually, in different languages the word 'love' is a unique term. But in order to express the range of feelings and emotions that love carries with it, there can be different expressions. In English, for example, we all know what 'I love you!' means. But there are also other commonly used expressions with which you can express this universal feeling. Let's look at some of them, which can be useful to you in your emotional relationships. From the loving hug for a friend you haven't seen in a long time – to the most intimate feelings you have toward someone…
Affection (Affection)
This is the word that defines the feeling of warmth and attachment that a person feels toward a friend.
Children need love and affection (Children need love and affection).
To cherish (To cherish).
This verb, of French origin, shows a feeling of care and attention toward someone or something that is especially dear to you.
I cherish the memories of the beautiful times we spent together (I cherish the memories of the beautiful times we spent together).
To court (To court).
This verb refers to someone whose goal is to get married. It is a bit old-fashioned, unless you are a hopeless romantic who loves serenading by moonlight. It can also be translated as 'dating' – it is always considered an attempt by the man to convince his beloved to marry him.
Matthew and Lucy courted for three years before they got married (Matthew and Lucy dated for 3 years before they got married).
To fancy (To like).
This is a British term that means 'to like'. In colloquial language it is relevant to strong sexual attraction.
I could tell that he really fancies her (I can tell that he really likes her).
To hold dear (Dear to me).
This expression is used to indicate something or someone that is especially important.
I have many acquaintances, but only a few people that I hold dear (I have many acquaintances, but only a few of them are especially dear to me).
To fall head over heels in love (To lose my head from love).
This means to 'fall' for someone so much that you lose your head from love.
They fell heads over heels for each other (They lost their heads from love).
To fall for somebody (To fall for someone).
This is an idiom that shows that someone has started to fall in love. Remember that the more formal expression is: to fall in love with someone.
Mark told me that he really fell for Sandra (Mark told me that he really fell for Sandra).
These are some English expressions that express love or attraction. However, if you want to speak the language of Shakespeare like a true Englishman or American, try the innovative online English lessons at Kabinata.com! You will have the opportunity to learn English with British teachers! You will get access to all levels with one subscription! You will decide how many hours a day and from where you study! You will have access to thousands of video materials and multimedia texts. You can even temporarily pause your subscription without it running. Sign up NOW!