“Love” is definitely a powerful word, but sometimes it doesn’t quite do justice to the depth of feelings we have for someone.
When “love” feels a bit stale or even just slightly inadequate, here are some words you might consider using in its place to let someone know exactly how much you care about them.
1. Adore: It’s like love, but with a touch of wonder.
When you adore someone, you’re not just fond of them—you’re awed by their very existence. It’s as if everything they do is magical and fills you with joy. Adoration implies a deep admiration mixed with affection, creating a potent emotional cocktail that goes beyond simple love.
2. Cherish: To hold dear and protect.
Cherishing someone means you value them deeply and want to protect that bond at all costs. It’s a tender, nurturing kind of love that implies long-term commitment and care. When you cherish someone, you’re constantly aware of how precious they are to you, treating them with gentleness and respect.
3. Devoted: Loyal and committed, come what may.
Devotion speaks of a love that perseveres through thick and thin. It’s not just about the butterflies and excitement, but about sticking around when things get tough. Being devoted means your love is unwavering, a steady flame that burns regardless of circumstances.
4. Enamoured: Captivated by love’s spell.
To be enamoured is to be swept off your feet, utterly charmed and fascinated by someone. It’s that giddy, heart-racing feeling of new love, but with an intensity that suggests it’s more than just a passing fancy. When you’re enamoured, you can’t help but be drawn to the object of your affection.
5. Smitten: Struck by love’s arrow.
Being smitten implies being suddenly and intensely attracted to someone. It’s like being hit by a wave of affection that catches you off guard. This word captures that delightful, slightly disorienting feeling of falling for someone unexpectedly, leaving you a bit dazed but happy.
6. Besotted: Infatuated to the point of foolishness.
When you’re besotted, you’re so in love that you might not be thinking entirely clearly. It’s a powerful, all-consuming kind of affection that can make you act a bit silly. This word captures the intensity of love that can make us do things we’d never normally do, all in the name of affection.
7. Venerate: To regard with deep respect and admiration.
Veneration goes beyond love into the realm of profound respect. When you venerate someone, you hold them in the highest esteem, almost to the point of reverence. It’s a love mixed with deep admiration for someone’s qualities or achievements, acknowledging their impact on your life.
8. Treasure: To value greatly and hold close.
Treasuring someone means you recognise their immense worth in your life. Like a precious gem, you hold them close and protect them. This word implies not just love, but a deep appreciation for the unique value the person brings to your world, making your life richer by their presence.
9. Dote: To be excessively fond of.
Doting on someone means showering them with love and attention, sometimes to an excessive degree. It’s the kind of affection that makes you want to spoil the other person rotten. When you dote on someone, your world revolves around them, and their happiness becomes your primary concern.
10. Revere: To regard with deep respect and awe.
Revering someone takes admiration to another level. It’s a mix of love, respect, and awe that makes you see the person as truly exceptional. When you revere someone, you’re not just fond of them — you’re inspired by them, seeing them as a guiding light in your life.
11. Idolise: To admire and love to an extreme degree.
Idolising someone means putting them on a pedestal, seeing them as nearly perfect. While it’s not always healthy, it captures that intense admiration that can come with deep love. When you idolise someone, you see them as the epitome of all that’s good and admirable.
12. Worship: To love and admire profoundly and devotedly.
Worship in the context of love implies an almost religious devotion to someone. It’s an all-encompassing adoration that places the person at the centre of your world. While it’s a powerful word, it’s worth noting that such intense feelings can sometimes lead to an imbalanced relationship.
13. Yearn: To long for with deep feeling.
Yearning for someone captures that aching, longing feeling of love, especially when you’re apart. It’s more than just missing someone — it’s a deep, almost painful desire to be with them. This word encapsulates the intensity of love that makes separation feel almost unbearable.
14. Fancy: To be strongly attracted to.
While it might sound casual, to fancy someone can actually imply quite strong feelings. It’s that flutter in your stomach, that spark of attraction that could potentially grow into something more. Fancying someone captures the excitement and potential of new love, full of possibilities.
15. Infatuated: Inspired with intense, often short-lived passion.
Being infatuated is like being under a spell of attraction and adoration. It’s an all-consuming feeling that can make you lose sight of reality a bit. While infatuation is often fleeting, it captures the intensity and excitement of new love, where the object of your affection seems perfect.
16. Devoted: Ardently dedicated and loyal.
Devotion speaks of a love that’s steadfast and unwavering. When you’re devoted to someone, your commitment goes beyond fleeting emotions. It’s about being there through thick and thin, supporting and caring for the person, no matter what life throws your way.
17. Captivated: Attracted and held spellbound by charm or beauty.
To be captivated by someone means they’ve caught your attention in a powerful way. It’s as if they’ve cast a spell on you, holding your interest completely. This word captures that magical quality of love that makes everything about the person seem fascinating and irresistible.
18. Enthralled: Held spellbound by delightful fascination.
Being enthralled goes beyond simple attraction. It’s a state of being completely engrossed and enchanted by someone. When you’re enthralled, you’re not just interested — you’re utterly fascinated, hanging on their every word and gesture. It’s a love that keeps you constantly engaged and intrigued.
