mīn lēof
The English phrase 'my love' is translated into Old English as mīn lēof.
mīn lēof is a term of endearment used to address someone who is loved.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: mīn means 'my' and lēof means 'dear', 'beloved' or 'precious'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to say 'my dearest' or 'my most beloved', you can use the superlative form mīn lēofost.
Did you know?
- While lēof means 'dear' today, it is cognate with the Polish word luby, showing that this root for affection spread across both Germanic and Slavic languages.
- In Old English poetry, terms like lēof were often used not just for romantic partners but also for very close friends and kin.
- Old English used different forms of mīn depending on the gender and case of the person being addressed, making the phrase more complex than the modern 'my'.
Examples in context
- Min leof, ic þē lufie.My love, I love you.
- Mīn lēof, cum nū hider.My love, come here now.
Example conversation
A quiet moment between a husband and wife in a small cottage.
- WulfrunMin leof, eart þū gōd?My love, are you well?
- EadricMē is wel, þanc þē.I am well, thank you.
- WulfrunIc lufie þē, Eadric.I love you, Eadric.
- EadricAnd ic þē lufie, Wulfrun.And I love you, Wulfrun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leof, min, CC BY-SA 4.0.
