I appreciate everyone's contribution on the literal meaning of metta.

Many thanks to you.

The main reason I have asked this is due to comments by Christoher
Titmus within his latest Dhamma newsletter that sugests the teaching
of metta is generally understated within especially Theravada
Buddhism.

All the comments here have been most helpful in understanding what
metta is and is not.
I have also read elsewhere the Buddha mentioned metta more or as much
as other qualities/conditions.

If anyone is interested in reading Christophers link I think it can
be accessed through his web site.
http://www.insightmeditation.org/

Once again many thanks for all the usefull comments on Metta.

Stephen.