unloving

/'ʌn'lʌviɳ/

Thân thiện

A child sits alone on a swing in an unloving home.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not giving or reciprocating affection: Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that lacks warmth, tenderness, or emotional attachment. It indicates an absence of loving feelings or actions.

Usage

• The word "unloving" is used to describe a person's character, their demeanor, or the nature of a relationship. It is a descriptive term often used in psychological, relational, or literary contexts to highlight a deficiency of love or care.
• It typically modifies nouns like "person," "parent," "relationship," "glance," or "environment."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She grew up in a cold and unloving household.
  • His unloving criticism damaged their friendship.
  • The biography portrayed him as a distant and unloving father.

Advanced Usage

• "unloving indifference": A phrase emphasizing a complete lack of caring concern.
  • He met her pleas with unloving indifference.
• "profoundly unloving": Used to intensify the degree to which affection is absent.
  • The act was seen as profoundly unloving.

Variants and Related Words

• Unlovingly (adverb): In a manner that is not loving.
  • He spoke unlovingly to his children.
• Unloved (adjective): Not loved by others. (Note: This describes the receiver, not the giver, of affection).
  • The unloved puppy looked for a home.

Synonyms

• Cold: Lacking emotional warmth; unfeeling.
• Unaffectionate: Not showing affection or fondness.
• Detached: Emotionally disconnected or aloof.
• Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.

Antonyms

• Loving: Feeling or showing love or great care.
• Affectionate: Readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.
• Caring: Displaying kindness and concern for others.
• Warm: Having, showing, or expressive of enthusiasm, affection, or kindness.

Related Phrases

• "an unloving heart": A metaphorical description for a person incapable of love.
  • They accused him of having an unloving heart.
• "unloving treatment": Refers to care or behavior that is harsh and without kindness.
  • The animal suffered from unloving treatment.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not giving or reciprocating affection