Standard Lemma guide

dilection

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

love; loving kindness

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated

Examples

  • 1554, Dr. Martin [ Stephen Gardiner? ], Treatise on the Marriage of Priestes These words mine, and thine, proceeded first of iniquitie, because men did not observe mutual and natural dilection.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

choice

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Latin dilectio (“dilection”). See diligent.