lovely
/ˈlʌvli/
adjective
Origin
Old English
lufu — love
Overview
Meaning Now
- Having a beauty that appeals to the emotions as well as to the eye; charming.
- Very pleasant; enjoyable or delightful.
Literal older meaning
worthy of love
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → Modern English
Earliest form
lufly
Earliest period
circa 13th century
Journey
The word evolved from the Old English 'luflic'. In early usage, it frequently meant 'worthy of being loved' or 'affectionate'. By the 16th century, the sense broadened significantly to describe anything pleasing to the senses, a usage that persists prominently in British English.
Evolution
- Old English
luflic
“amiable, lovely”
Compound of 'lufu' (love) + '-lic' (like/having the quality of).
- Middle English
luflich
“worthy of love, beautiful”
- Modern English
lovely
“beautiful, delightful”
Transition from meaning 'worthy of love' to 'aesthetically beautiful' or 'pleasant'.
Connections
Word parts
love
root
strong affection
-ly
suffix
possessing the qualities of
Related across languages
German
lieblich
lovely, pleasant
Dutch
lieflijk
lovely, sweet
Related words
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