unloving
|un/lov/ing|
B2
/ʌnˈlʌvɪŋ/
lacking affection
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unloving' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'loving', which comes from the Old English 'lufian', meaning 'to love'.
Historical Evolution
'lufian' transformed into the Middle English word 'lovien', and eventually became the modern English word 'love', with 'unloving' being a negation of 'loving'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'loving' meant 'to show love or affection', and 'unloving' has consistently meant the opposite, 'lacking love or affection'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking affection or warmth; not showing love.
He was criticized for his unloving behavior towards his family.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45