Fall Out of Love: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 24, 2023

The phrase "fall out of love" refers to the process where one or both partners in a relationship lose the affection, romantic feelings, or emotional attachment they once had for each other. This phenomenon is often associated with long-term relationships and marriages.

In short:

"Fall out of love" means to lose the romantic feelings or affection that was once felt for someone else.

What Does "Fall Out of Love" Mean?

The idiom "fall out of love" signifies the process of losing romantic affection or emotional attachment to a partner, often due to emotional drift, differences, or dissatisfaction in a relationship.

Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:

  • Indicates loss of romantic affection or emotional attachment
  • Associated with issues or complications in romantic relationships
  • This could suggest the presence of relationship dissatisfaction or emotional distance

Where Does "Fall Out of Love" Come From?

The phrase "fall out of love" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is a metaphor that is used to describe the loss of romantic love. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where two people who were once in love no longer feel the same way about each other. While "falling in love" signifies the process of developing romantic feelings for someone, "falling out of love" represents the opposite – the fading or loss of these feelings.

Historical Example

"Men, after all, fall out of love fully as often as boys; so that first and last love may sometimes be much the same thing in every respect."

- Blackwood's Magazine, 1869

10 Examples of "Fall Out of Love" in Sentences

Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:

  • After falling out of love with my ex, I couldn't help but think about the one that got away.
  • What are the odds that, even after all we've been through, we'd both fall out of love at the same time?
  • After she fell out of love with her childhood sweetheart, she started to feen for adventure and new experiences.
  • They tried therapy, but they had already fallen out of love.
  • She's rough around the edges, but that's not the reason why I fell out of love.
  • She didn't want to admit that she had fallen out of love with him.
  • The couple fell out of love after their children left home.
  • Even in a world full of rainbows and unicorns, it's sadly still possible to fall out of love.
  • Falling out of love can be a painful experience for both partners.
  • It's normal for people to fall out of love as relationships evolve.

Examples of "Fall Out of Love" in Pop Culture

The phrase "fall out of love" often appears in romantic movies, novels, and songs.

Some examples include:

  • "How to Fall Out of Love" is a non-fiction book by Dr. Debora Phillips and Rober Judd.
  • In the comedy/musical film The Opposite Sex (1956), Debbie asks Kay Hilliard, "What makes people fall out of love?
  • In the TV series The L Word (2004-2009), Beth asks, "What's happening to me?... Am I just panicking?... Is this about the baby?... Or am I falling out of love?"

Other/Different Ways to Say "Fall Out of Love"

There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "fall out of love."

Some of these include:

  • Lost feelings for
  • Grew apart from
  • No longer love
  • I don't feel the same about
  • Lost affection for

You can use these alternatives interchangeably depending on the context.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Fall Out of Love":

  • What does "fall out of love" mean?

"Fall out of love" means to lose the affectionate or romantic feelings you once had for someone.

  • How can I use "fall out of love" in a sentence?

One way to use "fall out of love" in a sentence could be: "After many years, they had fallen out of love."

  • Where does the idiom "fall out of love" come from?

The phrase "fall out of love" comes from the English language, representing the opposite of falling in love.

  • Is "fall out of love" used in literature?

Yes, "fall out of love" is often used in literature to depict the emotional development or changes in a character's romantic relationships.

  • Does "fall out of love" always indicate the end of a relationship?

Not necessarily. While "fall out of love" refers to the loss of romantic feelings, it doesn't always mean the end of a relationship. Some relationships transition into a different form of love or companionship over time.

  • Can "fall out of love" happen suddenly?

Falling out of love can be a gradual process over time or can happen suddenly, depending on the individuals and the circumstances involved.

  • Can one "fall out of love" with a place or thing?

While typically used to refer to romantic feelings towards a person, "fall out of love" can also metaphorically refer to losing enthusiasm or affection for a place, an object, or an activity.

  • Is "fall out of love" synonymous with "stop loving"?

While similar, "fall out of love" specifically refers to a decrease in romantic feelings, while "stop loving" can refer to an end of any form of love, whether familial, platonic, or romantic.

  • Does "fall out of love" imply that love existed in the first place?

Yes, to "fall out of love" with someone implies that there was a time when love or strong affection was present in the relationship.

Final Thoughts About "Fall Out of Love"

In conclusion, "fall out of love" signifies the end of romantic feelings or affection. It often represents a painful but important transition in a person's life.

Key aspects of the idiom:

  • Refers to the loss of romantic feelings or affection
  • Indicates a significant change in a romantic relationship
  • It can be used in a wider context to represent a loss of interest or enthusiasm

Remember that "falling out of love" is a part of the human experience and represents a transformation in one's emotions and relationships. It is commonly used in conversations about personal relationships and can be a key part of narratives about love and loss.

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