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Fancying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fancying

[ˈfæn.si ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

desire, attraction

To fancy something means to have a liking or desire for it. It often implies a sense of whim or playful interest rather than a serious intention. For example, one might fancy a particular food or drink, indicating a temporary or light-hearted craving. The term is commonly used in British English to express attraction toward someone.

Synonyms

desire, like, prefer, wish.

Examples of usage

  • I fancy a slice of cake for dessert.
  • She fancied him from the moment they met.
  • Do you fancy going out for dinner tonight?
  • He fancied himself as a great artist.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Fancying something often triggers positive feelings, allowing the mind to explore possibilities and emotions.
  • The act of fancying can boost creativity, as it encourages divergent thinking and free association of ideas.
  • People who engage in fancying are often more optimistic, as it involves envisioning positive outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • Many love songs revolve around fancying someone, expressing deep affection or admiration in poetic ways.
  • Famous artworks often depict fantasy themes, illustrating how imagination influences art and culture.
  • Movies about magical worlds often include characters who fancy special adventures, enhancing their desire for escape.

Literature

  • In literature, fancying often serves as a narrative device, helping characters dream about alternate realities.
  • Romantic poets frequently explored the theme of fancy to express longing and unattainable love.
  • Fancy plays a crucial role in fairy tales, showing characters imagining better lives or adventures.

Sociology

  • Fancying something can indicate cultural values; it reflects what society deems desirable or aspirational.
  • Regional differences in fancying can reveal varied tastes or ambitions among different communities.
  • Collectively, fancying trends can shape consumer markets by highlighting what people desire or wish for.

Origin of 'fancying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fancying' comes from the Middle English word 'fancy', which means fantasy or imagination.
  • It can be traced back to the Old French word 'fancie', meaning ‘to have a fancy or a whim’.
  • Historically, it was often used to describe desires or whimsical thoughts about things we love.

The word 'fancy' dates back to the early 14th century and originates from the Middle English term 'fantasy', which itself came from the Old French 'fantaisie' and Latin 'phantasia', meaning 'appearance' or 'imagination'. Over time, 'fancy' evolved to signify not just the act of imagining or visualizing, but also a preference or fondness for something. In the late 16th century, it acquired the verb form, allowing speakers to express desires or attractions more fluidly. By the 17th century, the usage of 'fancy' had expanded to include complex forms of attraction and affection, particularly in British dialects. Today, 'fancy' is commonly employed in both casual and formal English, illustrating trends in social interactions, personal preferences, and cultural nuances.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,927, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.