lieveling

Lieveling is a Dutch noun meaning “favorite” or “beloved person or thing.” It is used to indicate something or someone held in special affection and can refer to people, animals, objects, or intangible concepts. In everyday language it functions as both a label and a term of endearment.

Etymology and form: lieveling derives from lief, meaning “dear,” combined with the suffix -ling, which forms nouns associated with the base word. The combination has come to denote not just a diminutive, but the object of affection itself, often with affectionate nuance.

Usage and examples: common sentences include “Mijn lieveling is mijn dochter,” or “Ze is de lieveling van de klas.” The word also appears in compound forms such as lievelingskleur (favorite color) and lievelingseten (favorite food). The plural is lievelingen. While often used affectionately toward a partner, child, or pet, lieveling can also be used more neutrally to refer to a preferred item or concept.

Variants and connotations: lieveling carries warmth and endearment and may convey a sense of closeness or favoritism. In contrast, the more neutral synonym voorkeur or favoriet is sometimes preferred in formal contexts.

See also: terms related to preference or affection in Dutch, such as favoriet and lieflijk, which share thematic connections to affection and preference.