insect-loving
|in-sect-lov-ing|
/ˈɪn.sɛktˌlʌv.ɪŋ/
likes or attracts insects
Etymology
'insect-loving' is a Modern English compound formed from 'insect' + 'loving'. 'Insect' comes from Latin 'insectum' (from 'insecare', meaning 'to cut into'), and 'loving' comes from Old English 'lufian' meaning 'to love'.
'insect' entered English via Middle English from Latin 'insectum' (through Medieval scientific Latin usage); 'loving' developed from Old English 'lufian' and by compounding in Modern English formed phrases like 'insect-loving'.
Individually, 'insect' originally referred to a creature 'cut into' segments; 'loving' meant 'showing affection'. Together in Modern English the compound means either 'fond of insects' or 'attracting insects', a semantic combination of those roots.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
showing a fondness for or attraction to insects (applied to people or animals).
She has an insect-loving hobby: keeping and observing beetles.
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Adjective 2
attracting or welcoming insects (often used for plants, flowers, or habitats that draw insects).
The garden was designed to be insect-loving to encourage pollinators.
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Last updated: 2025/10/15 13:36