lovely

/ˈlʌvli/

/ˈlʌvli/

Other forms: loveliest; lovelier; lovelily; lovelies

You've probably heard the adjective lovely to describe something good looking, but did you know that, as a noun, lovely refers, specifically, to a beautiful girl employed as a photographer’s model?

From the Old English luflic “affectionate, loveable,” comes lovely, an adjective that describes a person’s or thing’s attractiveness. Find the word love in there — it's something so attractive you can't help but love it. Lovely can also refer to something delightful. For example, a pretty selection of cakes and pastries arranged on a doily could be described as lovely. Anything from your girlfriend to a fresh coat of red paint on your motorcycle can be lovely.

Definitions of lovely

1. adjective

   lovable especially in a childlike or naive way
   synonyms: adorable, endearing

   lovable, loveable

   having characteristics that attract love or affection
2. adjective

   appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
   synonyms:

   beautiful

   delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
3. noun

   a very pretty girl who works as a photographer's model
   synonyms: cover girl, pin-up

   type of:

   photographer's model

   a model who poses for photographers