Romance

/roʊˈmæns/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love; an intense feeling of attraction.

/roʊˈmæns/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

The couple's romance began with a chance encounter.

💡 Simply: Romance is like that amazing feeling you get when you're really into someone – all butterflies and secret smiles! Like in a movie where two people are falling in love and doing sweet, thoughtful things.

👶 For kids: Romance is when you feel very, very happy and excited about someone you like.

More Examples

2

She dreamed of a whirlwind romance.

3

The city provided a romantic backdrop for their date.

How It's Used

Personal Relationships

"Their romance blossomed during the summer."

Literature and Art

"The novel is a classic romance filled with drama and passion."

2

A story or novel, especially one dealing with love or adventure; a story that idealizes love.

/roʊˈmæns/

nounneutralBeginner
Literature

A story or novel dealing with love or adventure.

The book is a historical romance set in the Victorian era.

💡 Simply: A romance is a book or movie all about love, adventure, and exciting stories. Think of a story where people fall in love, face challenges, and maybe even have a happy ending!

👶 For kids: A romance is a story about love and fun adventures.

More Examples

2

The author is known for writing captivating romances.

3

The film is a classic romantic comedy.

How It's Used

Literature

"She enjoys reading historical romances."

Film

"The movie is a lighthearted romantic comedy."

Tip:Think of a fairy tale, filled with knights, damsels, and heroic deeds.
3

To attempt to woo or court someone; to try to gain the love or admiration of someone.

/roʊˈmæns/

verbpositivemedium
Legal

To try to win the love of someone.

He spent weeks trying to romance her with sweet gestures.

💡 Simply: To romance someone is to try to make them fall in love with you! It's all about doing nice things, like giving gifts, writing love notes, and going on special dates.

👶 For kids: To romance someone is to be super nice to them to make them like you.

More Examples

2

The film showed how the characters romanced each other.

3

He's planning a romantic getaway to romance his wife.

How It's Used

Relationships

"He tried to romance her with flowers and chocolates."

Informal

"I'm going to romance my girlfriend on our anniversary."

Tip:Think of serenading someone, giving them gifts, and doing other loving gestures.

Idioms & expressions

romantic comedy

A film or play that deals with love in a humorous way.

"We watched a romantic comedy last night and laughed the whole time."

to sweep someone off their feet

To cause someone to fall deeply and suddenly in love with you.

"He swept her off her feet with his charm and wit."

From Old French *romanz* (a vernacular language, as opposed to Latin), originally referring to a narrative poem or story in a vernacular language dealing with heroic or legendary themes. Later broadened to encompass love, adventure, and chivalry.

The term 'romance' initially referred to vernacular languages and narratives. Later, it evolved to describe stories of chivalry, heroism, and eventually, love.

Memory tip

Think of Romeo and Juliet's passionate love story.

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Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written