lovelies
|lov-lees|
/ˈlʌvliz/
(lovely)
beautiful, attractive
Etymology
'lovely' originates from English, formed from the word 'love' plus the adjective‑forming suffix '-ly' (so 'lovely' literally meant 'full of love' or 'worthy of love').
'love' itself comes from Old English 'lufu' (and related verb forms such as 'lufian'); Middle English formed 'lovely' from 'love' + '-ly', which developed into the modern adjective and then occasionally into a nominal use (a 'lovely', plural 'lovelies').
Initially it meant 'worthy of love' or 'causing love/affection'; over time it broadened to mean 'pleasant, attractive, delightful' and also came to be used informally as a noun of endearment.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'lovely' used as a noun; informal, affectionate or playful reference to attractive or delightful people or things (e.g., 'those lovelies in the audience').
Those lovelies in the front row waved at us.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/02 06:57