Buzz
Love permeates not just the air but also the vocabulary we use daily. From amateur to venom, discover these love-inspired words as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Believe
The Old English term believe, derived from geliefan, has its origins in the Germanic galaubjan, where laub signifies “dear” (thus, believe means “to hold dear”). This traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root leubh, meaning “love.”
Furlough
An image of a furlough button. | SEAN GLADWELL/GettyImagesThe term furlough originates from the Dutch verlof, which shares the same Germanic root laub as believe. It is also linked to the concept of leave, implying “permission” or “allowance” (e.g., “get leave,” “go on leave”). The approval or pleasure associated with granting leave ties it back to the idea of love.
Friday
In Old English, Frigedæg was named after Frigg, the Germanic goddess associated with love (similar to the Roman Venus). As per the Oxford English Dictionary, frīg also denoted a form of intense feminine affection.
Venom
Be cautious of this creature’s venom. | Paul Starosta/GettyImagesThe term venom derives from the Latin venenum, which is linked to Venus, the goddess of love, and initially described a potion meant to inspire love.
Amateur
The word amateur stems from the Latin amare, meaning “to love.” An amateur engages in an activity purely out of passion and affection for it.
Charity
Derived from the Latin caritas, which became charity in English, this term represented a form of love distinct from amor—it conveyed reverence and devotion rather than romantic or passionate feelings. It was used to interpret the Ancient Greek agape, the term in the New Testament denoting divine love.
Philosophy
Raphael’s masterpiece, ‘The School of Athens.’ | Pascal Deloche/GettyImagesIn Greek, philia represented a form of love distinct from agape and eros (romantic love), signifying “brotherly or friendly affection.” It appears in numerous classical terms to express a general liking or preference. Philosophy, for instance, denotes the love of sophos, or “wisdom.”
Philanthropy
This term signifies a love for anthropos, or “humanity.”
Philadelphia
A view of Center City, Philadelphia. | Eric Bowers Photo/GettyImagesOften called the “city of brotherly love,” the name itself reflects this sentiment, derived from adelphos, meaning “brother.”
Philip
The name Philip is derived from the combination of phil- and hippos, translating to “lover of horses.”
Acidophilus
Have you been using acidophilus probiotic supplements to support digestive health? These supplements are produced from bacteria that thrive in acidic environments, specifically those that readily absorb acid dyes for microscopic examination.
