Etymology Map
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Love

3 stages from Proto-Germanic to English.

Today it means a deep affection or attachment

Where does the word "love" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic lubō, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
lubō
Proto-Germanic · ancient
"love"
from the root of German 'Liebe', Latin 'libido' and the old English word 'lief', dear
2
Stage 2 of 3
lufu
Old English · 700s-1000s
"love"
used for both human affection and the love of God in Old English sermons and poems
3
Stage 3 of 3
love
English · 1500s
"love"
'love' meaning zero in games is recorded from the 1740s, perhaps from playing 'for love', not money; the tale that it is French 'l'œuf', egg, is doubtful
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Read the full story

Love’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: lubō meant “love.” From the root of German 'Liebe', Latin 'libido' and the old English word 'lief', dear. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as lufu. Used for both human affection and the love of God in Old English sermons and poems. It reached English by 1500s as love. 'love' meaning zero in games is recorded from the 1740s, perhaps from playing 'for love', not money; the tale that it is French 'l'œuf', egg, is doubtful. Today, love means a deep affection or attachment.