Meaning & use
lovers
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“lovers” is a form of “lover”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Two people who are in a romantic or sexual relationship with each other.
Grammar: Plural; refers to a couple or to several couples: the lovers met in secret.
Patterns
- lovers in somewhere
The two lovers walked hand in hand along the river.
The novel follows a pair of young lovers from rival families.
They had been lovers for years before they married.
nounplural
People who have a strong liking for a particular thing, such as an activity or type of food.
Grammar: Plural; usually follows a noun: book lovers, animal lovers.
Patterns
- lovers of something
- something lovers
The festival is a paradise for music lovers.
Dog lovers will enjoy the new park.
This cafe is popular with lovers of strong coffee.
Word forms
| singular | lover |
|---|
Common combinations
- young lovers
- Young lovers carved their names into the old oak.
- star-crossed lovers
- The play tells of star-crossed lovers whose families are enemies.
- nature lovers
- Nature lovers come here to watch the birds.
- lovers of something
- The shop attracts lovers of vintage clothes.
- former lovers
- The two former lovers still meet for coffee.
Synonyms and how they differ
- partners
- Partners is neutral and can refer to any long-term couple, while lovers stresses romance and passion.
- sweethearts
- Sweethearts sounds gentler and slightly old-fashioned, whereas lovers can sound more intense or secretive.
- fans
- Fans is better for people who enjoy a performer or sport, while lovers of something is used for a general liking.
- enthusiasts
- Enthusiasts suggests active, knowledgeable interest in a hobby, which lovers does not always imply.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: lovers or loaves?
lovers vs loaves
Loaves is the plural of loaf, as in bread; it sounds somewhat different and has nothing to do with affection.
Practice
Which phrase means people who really enjoy animals?
Choose one answer.
Animal lovers is the standard phrase for people who enjoy animals. Lovings is not a normal plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lovers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.