Definition

Noun: 1. Erotic love and physical intimacy: The expression of deep romantic affection through physical acts of intimacy, often including but not limited to sexual intercourse. 2. A state of intense romantic and physical desire: A passionate emotional and physical attraction between two people, characterized by longing and intimacy.

Usage

• The term "sexual love" specifically describes the physical and erotic dimension of a romantic relationship. It distinguishes the intimate aspect from other forms of love, such as platonic or familial love.
• It is often used in psychological, sociological, or literary contexts to discuss the role of physical intimacy within a romantic bond.

Examples

• Their relationship was built on a foundation of deep friendship and sexual love.
• The poet explored the themes of sexual love and spiritual connection in his verses.
• For some couples, sexual love is a vital component of their emotional bond.

Advanced Usage

• In literary/analytical contexts: The term can be used to analyze the interplay between physical desire and emotional attachment in narratives or relationships.
  • The novel examines how sexual love can both empower and complicate the lives of its characters.

Variants and Related Words

• Lovemaking (n): The act of expressing love through physical intimacy; sexual activity between people who love each other.
• Eros (n): In a non-mythological context, often used to denote passionate, romantic, or sexual love (from Greek philosophy and psychology).

Synonyms

• Passion: Intense, driving, or overpowering feeling, often sexual.
• Desire: A strong feeling of wanting to have someone or something, often sexual.
• Physical love: A direct synonym emphasizing the bodily aspect of affection.
• Carnal love: A synonym, often with a more literary or archaic tone, emphasizing the physical or sensual nature.

Related Phrases

• To make love: A verb phrase meaning to engage in sexual intercourse, typically with connotations of affection and intimacy.
  • The couple made love gently and with great tenderness.

Noun

1. sexual activities (often including sexual intercourse) between two people
   • his lovemaking disgusted her
   • he hadn't had any love in months
   • he has a very complicated love life
2. a deep feeling of sexual desire and attraction
   • their love left them indifferent to their surroundings
   • she was his first love