Beloved

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'beloved' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective to describe someone or something that is dearly loved or treasured. Example: "My beloved grandmother always had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone she met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Irwin Cohen.

The New York Times

Now he will be hoping that promotion for his beloved Norwich FC will provide solace for a crushing and very personal defeat.

The Guardian

A perfect balance of textures for a serious sugar-hit – great for making with kids and beloved by people of all ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

JamesAdelaide says: I fear that the impact of our beloved Guardian is currently limited.

The Guardian

They were watching because I am an intrinsically fascinating person with many attractive qualities, and I am beloved.

The Guardian

It would be an amalgamation of the old Library theatre and the beloved Cornerhouse; a theatre in a new arts centre that would call itself Home.

The Guardian

Flames from construction scaffolding around the bell tower, which has been under renovation, rose high above the Moscow skyline as firefighters struggled to protect one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

The Guardian

This is the world so beloved of YouTube circus performers who take titles like Crackdown and Grand Theft Auto and turn them into vast and astonishing stunt shows.

The Guardian - Tech

The poem will be celebrated next month in a 200-mile onboard performance between Hull and London, involving scores of actors, 200 miles of track, eight towns and cities, recordings of some of the poet's beloved jazz tunes, and the voice of actor Bill Nighy reading his work over the train's Tannoy.

The Guardian

Virtually the only time Tony Blair appeared with animals was when the dog in question was George W Bush's beloved spaniel, Spot.

The Guardian

His vulnerability was shown early in the leadership campaign when, faced with a question from the supporter of a rival candidate on a television debate, he found himself promising to give up his beloved Jaguar.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beloved" to convey deep affection and strong emotional attachment, reserving it for people, places, or things that hold significant personal or cultural value. For a less intense sentiment, consider "liked" or "appreciated".

Common error

Avoid using "beloved" too casually, as it can sound overly sentimental or even ironic in everyday situations. Save it for moments when you genuinely want to express profound affection or appreciation.

Linguistic Context

"Beloved" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate deep affection or strong endearment. It is used to describe someone or something that is greatly loved and cherished, conveying a sense of value and importance, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "beloved" is a potent adjective used to express deep affection and endearment. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, primarily within news and media sources. When choosing to use "beloved", consider its strong emotional connotation and reserve it for situations where you truly wish to convey a sense of profound appreciation. While it is acceptable in formal writing, overuse in casual settings can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "dearly loved" or "much loved" can be used to convey a similar sentiment with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Much loved

A straightforward expression of being widely appreciated.

Dearly loved

Emphasizes the act of loving someone intensely.

Treasured

Highlights the value and preciousness of the object of affection.

Deeply cherished

Highlights the value and importance placed on someone or something.

Held dear

Indicates that someone or something is deeply valued and close to the heart.

Adored

Implies worshipful love and devotion.

Dearly regarded

Conveys a sense of high respect and affection.

Loved one

A common term for someone who is loved.

Highly esteemed

Focuses on respect and admiration, rather than pure affection.

Fondly remembered

Used when recalling someone with affection, often after they are gone.

FAQs

How can I use "Beloved" in a sentence?

"Beloved" can be used to describe someone or something that is deeply loved. For instance, "She was a "beloved mother" and teacher" or "This park is a "beloved landmark" in our city".

What's a less intense alternative to "Beloved"?

If "beloved" feels too strong, consider using alternatives like "liked", "appreciated", or "respected" depending on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Beloved" in formal writing?

Yes, "beloved" can be used in formal writing when expressing genuine affection or deep respect. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. A more neutral term might be preferable in some business contexts.

Which is correct, "Beloved" or "Well-loved"?

Both "beloved" and "well-loved" are correct, but "beloved" carries a stronger sense of deep affection and is often used to describe someone or something that is cherished. "Well-loved" simply means something is liked by many.