Agency Dictionary
Ludus
nounPronunciation: /ˈluː.dəs/
In Portuguese: Ludus
Philosophy & Ethics
Play & SportWhat does “Ludus” mean?
A playful, flirtatious, and lighthearted form of love free from long-term obligations or solemnity.
Etymology
Direct borrowing from Latin ludus, a noun derived from the verb ludo (to play). In Latin the word covered a wide range of meanings: game, sport, public spectacle, primary school, and playful or erotic writing. Early Latin inscriptions show forms such as loidos and loedos. In English it is used in scholarly and historical contexts, especially in the phrases ludus litterarius (Roman elementary school) and ludus gladiatorius (gladiatorial training facility). In the psychology of love it names the playful love style in the typology proposed by John Alan Lee in the 1970s.
Word family
- ludic
- ludicrous
Usage examples
Ludus is a playful and flirtatious love, often associated with young lovers.
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
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- Mazenoun
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- Discursiveadjective
- Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
- Treatisenoun
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- Maximnoun
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- rhetoricnoun
- The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
- Tangibleadjective
- Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
- Holisticadjective
- Characterized by the comprehension of parts as intimately interconnected and explicable only in reference to the whole.
- Abyssnoun
- A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
- aestheticsnoun
- A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
- Affectnoun
- An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
Also from these editions: terms
- Agapenoun
- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Androgynenoun
- A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
- Aûsunoun
- An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
- Aûsubverb
- An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
- Benefactornoun
- A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
- Chivalrynoun
- The medieval knightly code of conduct demanding honor, valor, courtesy, loyalty, and Christian devotion.
- Erosnoun
- A passionate, romantic, and often erotic love characterized by intense longing, attraction, and creative vitality.
- Philianoun
- A deep, reciprocal, and virtuous affection among friends or equals based on shared values and mutual loyalty.
- Potionnoun
- A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
- Pragmanoun
- A practical, enduring, and mature love built on long-term commitment, shared duties, and realistic expectations.
- Storgenoun
- Natural familial affection, especially the instinctive bond shared among parents, children, and siblings.
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