Beloved describes someone or something that is deeply loved and cherished. It often carries a warm, emotional, and sometimes formal tone.
“Beloved” comes from “be-” plus “loved,” meaning thoroughly loved. It has been used in English for centuries in poetry, letters, and religious texts.
“Beloved” isn’t just “liked a lot”; the “be-” adds a sense of being surrounded and filled with love. That’s why it feels more powerful and timeless than simply saying “my loved friend.”
‘Beloved’ has been used in romantic, religious, and familial contexts, often addressing women in ways that emphasize their role as objects of affection rather than agents. In some traditions, it also appears in male-centered texts while women’s voices are less recorded.
Use ‘beloved’ symmetrically across genders and relationships, and avoid using it for adults in professional contexts where it may feel patronizing or inappropriate.
["dear","valued","cherished","loved"]
Acknowledge that women and gender-diverse writers and thinkers have expanded concepts of love and belovedness beyond narrow, heteronormative roles.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.