“Love” is a word that gets thrown around a lot.
While it’s a beautiful sentiment, sometimes it falls short of capturing the depth and complexity of our emotions. There are words out there that pack a far more powerful punch, words that resonate with a deeper meaning and convey a more profound connection. Here are a few of these underappreciated gems that might just express what “love” simply cannot.
1. Cherish
To cherish someone is to hold them dear, to appreciate their presence in your life, and to actively nurture the bond you share. It’s about recognising their unique qualities and celebrating them for who they are. It’s a verb that implies action, a conscious choice to value and protect someone.
2. Adore
Adoration goes beyond simple affection. It’s a feeling of deep love and admiration, often accompanied by a sense of awe or reverence. When you adore someone, you see them as extraordinary, almost magical. It’s a feeling that’s often reserved for those who inspire us and make us feel truly alive.
3. Treasure
To treasure someone is to see them as precious and irreplaceable. It’s about recognising their inherent value and holding them close to your heart. It’s a feeling that goes beyond fleeting infatuation or superficial attraction. It’s a deep-rooted appreciation for the unique individual they are.
4. Revere
Reverence is a feeling of deep respect and admiration, often tinged with awe. When you revere someone, you hold them in high esteem and value their wisdom, guidance, and presence in your life. It’s a feeling that’s often associated with mentors, teachers, or spiritual leaders, but it can also be felt for close friends and family members.
5. Esteem
Esteem is a feeling of high regard and respect. When you esteem someone, you value their opinions, trust their judgment, and admire their character. It’s a feeling that’s built on mutual respect and admiration. It’s a cornerstone of healthy relationships, both personal and professional.
6. Idolise
Idolising someone means seeing them as a role model, someone you look up to and admire. It’s a feeling that’s often associated with celebrities, athletes, or other public figures, but it can also be felt for people closer to home. When you idolise someone, you aspire to be like them and emulate their qualities.
7. Prize
To prize someone is to value them highly and consider them to be of great worth. It’s about appreciating their unique qualities and contributions to your life. When you prize someone, you cherish their presence and strive to maintain a strong and lasting relationship with them.
8. Worship
Source: Unsplash While often associated with religious devotion, worship can also refer to a deep admiration and reverence for someone. It’s about seeing them as extraordinary and worthy of your unwavering loyalty and devotion. It’s a feeling that goes beyond simple affection or admiration.
9. Honour
To honour someone is to show them respect and recognition for their achievements, qualities, or contributions. It’s about acknowledging their worth and value as a person. Honouring someone can be done through words, actions, or gestures, and it’s a powerful way to express your appreciation and gratitude.
10. Venerate
Source: Unsplash To venerate someone is to hold them in high regard and respect, often with a sense of awe or reverence. It’s a feeling that’s often associated with religious figures or ancestors, but it can also be felt for people who have made a significant impact on your life. When you venerate someone, you hold them in high esteem and value their wisdom and guidance.
11. Exalt
Source: Unsplash To exalt someone is to praise and glorify them, to lift them up and celebrate their achievements. It’s about recognising their greatness and expressing your admiration for their talents and qualities. Exalting someone can be a powerful way to show your support and encouragement.
