Why We Need Better Vocabulary for Emotional Expressions Termed as Love

Exploring the Various Types of Love from the Ancient Greek Culture

Types of Love in Greek Language/Culture (Image Source: Author)

Love is an illusory concept. It can be the symbol of happiness, strength and good, or it can be the source of suffering, weakness and evil. Love in contemporary society is often the source of all evils. All the atrocities that a person inflicts on the other are done in the name of love. Whether it is love for a person, an identity, a deity, an ideology, a dream, money, or oneself, love is often a catalyst for evil actions. This is why it is important to find better vocabulary to express our genuine emotions towards each other. Greeks had multiple words for a range of emotions that are labeled in society as love. In this article, we shall explore the meaning of all of them.

• LUDUS (lūdus)

Ludus is the playful love which exists often between young people. It involves playfulness, flirting, teasing, excitement, and seduction. It is a precursor to Eros and is the element of courtship behavior. It is based on stimulation of emotions and arousal.

• EROS (ἔρως)

Eros was the son of Aphrodite, — the Greek Goddess of desire. Eros is the term used in Greek for pleasure and passion. This is the most common meaning of love when it…