Flirtatious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flirtatious

[flษ™rหˆteษชสƒษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a playful or teasing way that suggests a romantic or sexual interest.

Synonyms

coquettish, flirty, seductive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flirtatious

This word is used to describe someone who behaves playfully or romantically in a way that shows they are attracted to someone.

  • She gave him a flirtatious smile from across the room
coquettish

This word often describes a woman who is playfully teasing or flirtatious in a way that can be seen as a bit old-fashioned or literary.

  • Her coquettish manner kept everyone guessing about her true intentions
flirty

An informal way of describing someone who is behaving in a playful or romantic manner, often used in casual conversation.

  • He was being flirty with all the guests at the party
seductive

Typically used to describe behavior that is more intense and suggestive than just playful, often with the intention of leading someone into a romantic or sexual situation. It can have a negative connotation depending on the context.

  • She spoke in a low, seductive voice that captured everyone's attention

Examples of usage

  • She was being flirtatious with him at the party.
  • His flirtatious remarks made her blush.
  • The flirtatious banter between them was obvious to everyone.
Context #2 | Adjective

manner

Displaying behavior that is intended to attract or impress others in a playful or teasing manner.

Synonyms

alluring, captivating, charming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flirtatious

This word is best used when someone is playfully showing romantic or sexual interest in someone else. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if it seems insincere or inappropriate.

  • She gave him a flirtatious smile from across the room.
  • His flirtatious comments were not appreciated by everyone.
charming

This word fits best when describing someone who is pleasant, delightful, and easy to like. It can also describe things that are delightful or pleasant in appearance or manner.

  • His charming personality made him very popular.
  • They stayed in a charming little cottage by the sea.
alluring

This word is appropriate when describing something or someone that is powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. It is often used in more formal or poetic contexts.

  • The actress's alluring presence on screen captivated the audience.
  • The exotic scent was alluring, drawing him closer.
captivating

This word is used when describing something or someone that holds your attention completely because they are so interesting, attractive, or charming.

  • Her performance was so captivating that I couldn't look away.
  • The book's captivating storyline kept me reading all night.

Examples of usage

  • Her flirtatious smile caught his attention.
  • The flirtatious tone of her voice was unmistakable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Flirtation can increase oxytocin levels, often called the 'love hormone', enhancing feelings of affection.
  • People often flirt as a way to gauge interest and build attraction without direct commitment.
  • A significant aspect of flirting is non-verbal communication, like smiles and eye contact, which can convey interest more powerfully than words.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies portray flirtatious interactions as a prelude to romance, creating iconic scenes that stick in your mind.
  • Songs often celebrate flirtatious behavior, like shaking it off on the dance floor, making it a fun social activity.
  • Contemporary dating apps extensively utilize flirtation styles, using emojis and light-hearted banter to connect users.

Literature

  • Flirtation appears in classic literature, often leading to complications or misunderstandings in romantic relationships.
  • Characters in novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' use flirtation to navigate societal expectations of courtship.
  • Poets frequently explore the dance of flirtation, capturing its joyous yet sometimes bittersweet nature in their verses.

Sociology

  • Cultures vary in their norms around flirtation, with some embracing directness while others lean towards subtlety.
  • In many societies, flirtation serves as a form of social bonding, helping to create friendships and alliances.
  • Recent studies suggest that social media has transformed flirtation, allowing people to engage in playful interactions online more freely.

Origin of 'flirtatious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'flirten', which means to 'play with' or 'to flutter'.
  • It combines the essence of being light-hearted and playful in a social context.
  • In the early 19th century, 'flirtatious' began to be used more widely, especially in relation to romantic gestures.

The word 'flirtatious' originated from the verb 'flirt', which dates back to the 16th century. Originally meaning 'to turn up one's nose or jerk', it later evolved to signify a more playful or amorous interaction. The adjective 'flirtatious' emerged in the late 18th century, capturing the essence of engaging in flirtatious behavior to attract or amuse others.


See also: flirt, flirtation, flirter, flirting, flirty.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,003, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.