English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Being in love
Meaning
"Being in love" is an idiom that refers to the state of having strong romantic feelings towards someone. It can also mean being deeply attached or devoted to someone, whether romantically or platonically. In contemporary language, the idiom often connotes a state of intense passion and infatuation.
Usage
- I'm so in love with you right now, I could eat you up! (informal)
- Being in love is one of the most beautiful experiences of life. (formal)
- My heart is overflowing with love for my family. (emotional)
- I fell head over heels in love with him at first sight. (romantic)
- It's not a decision to fall in love, but rather to accept it when it happens. (philosophical)
Roots and History
The idiom "being in love" dates back to the 14th century, where it was first used by Geoffrey Chaucer in his poem "The Knight's Tale". The earliest known use of the idiom refers to a state of intense passion or infatuation. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include a wider range of emotions such as deep attachment and devotion. In some cultures, there are variations of this idiom that use different words or phrases to convey the same idea. For example, in Japanese, "being in love" is often translated as "ai no kyou", which refers specifically to romantic love.
Synonyms in English
- Smitten by Cupid
- Falling in love
- Captivated
- Head over heels
- In deep reverence
Synonyms in other languages
- French: being in love is often translated as "être amoureux" or " être passionné", both of which emphasize the intensity and passion of the emotion.
- Spanish: in Spanish, being in love is often translated as "estar enamorado/a" or "estar perdido/a", both of which convey a sense of being lost or overcome by love.
- Italian: in Italian, being in love is often translated as "esser inamorato/a" or "esser colpito/a", both of which emphasize the sudden and powerful nature of the emotion.
- German: in German, being in love is often translated as "sei verliebt", which is a straightforward translation that conveys the intensity of the emotion.
- Arabic: in Arabic, being in love is often translated as "to be infatuated" or "to fall deeply in love", both of which emphasize the intensity and passion of the emotion.