Romance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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romance
[roʊˈmæns ]
Definitions
literature
A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. Romance is often characterized by idealization, passion, and adventure.
Synonyms
affection, infatuation, love, passion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| romance |
Use this word when referring to the excitement and mystery associated with a love relationship, often in its early stages or in a poetic context.
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| love |
This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, ranging from deep familial and platonic connections to romantic and passionate relationships.
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| passion |
Passion is best used to describe intense and strong emotions, often related to romantic or physical attraction, but can also refer to enthusiasm for an activity or cause.
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| affection |
This word is best used to describe a gentle feeling of fondness or liking, which can be present in various types of relationships, not just romantic ones.
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| infatuation |
Infatuation is best used to describe an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting an unrealistic or obsessive attachment.
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Examples of usage
- She was swept off her feet by the romance of Paris.
- Their relationship was full of romance and grand gestures.
film
A genre of film that focuses on romantic love stories, often involving idealized or fantastical elements.
Synonyms
love story, romantic film, romcom.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| romance |
Use when referring to the feeling of love in a passionate or emotional relationship. It generally denotes a deep affection between individuals.
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| romantic film |
Use when referring to a film genre that primarily focuses on the romantic relationship between characters. These films often include elements of drama and emotion.
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| love story |
Use when referring to a narrative or plot that focuses primarily on the romantic relationship between characters. Often used to describe books, movies, or real-life events.
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| romcom |
Use when referring to a film or TV show that combines elements of both romance and comedy. These tend to be light-hearted and humorous in nature.
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Examples of usage
- She enjoys watching romance movies on a cozy night in.
- The film industry produces numerous romance films each year.
dating
To court or woo someone with gestures of affection and love.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| romance |
Used to describe a loving relationship or behaviors showing love. Often refers to the feelings or actions that occur during dating or within a relationship.
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| woo |
A dated or poetic term for trying to gain the love of someone, usually through affectionate and persistent efforts.
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| court |
An older or more formal term for trying to win someone's love or affection, often implying serious intentions like marriage.
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| charm |
Refers to the attractiveness or pleasant quality of a person that makes others like them. This can be used in both romantic and non-romantic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He romanced her with flowers and love letters.
- She appreciated how he took the time to romance her.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Romantic poetry became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on emotion and nature.
- Many classic novels, like 'Pride and Prejudice', explore themes of love and relationships, showcasing the complexity of romance.
- The genre of romance fiction has grown immensely, with countless novels published each year that cater to diverse audiences.
Pop Culture
- The idea of romance has been central to countless movies, with the romantic comedy genre being especially popular.
- From 'Titanic' to 'The Notebook', films often depict intense longing and the overcoming of obstacles for love.
- Valentine's Day is celebrated globally as a day to express romantic love, often with gifts and gestures.
Psychology
- Romantic love has been studied as a psychological phenomenon, revealing it consists of passion, intimacy, and commitment.
- Experiencing romance can trigger the brain's reward system, making love feel enjoyable and addictive.
- Attachment styles can influence romantic relationships, affecting how people connect and communicate with one another.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures express romance in unique ways, from traditional courtship practices to modern dating rituals.
- In some cultures, arranged marriages are common, where romance may develop after the commitment.
- The concept of love and romance can vary widely, with some societies placing a greater emphasis on emotional connection than on physical attraction.
Origin of 'romance'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'romance' comes from the Latin word 'romanice', originally meaning 'in the Roman way'.
- During the Middle Ages, 'romance' referred to tales of chivalry and adventures, often involving heroic love.
- By the 16th century, the meaning expanded to encompass courtly love and passionate relationships.
The word 'romance' originated from the Old French 'romanz', which referred to a story written in the vernacular of the day rather than Latin. Over time, it evolved to represent tales of adventure and love, particularly popular during the Middle Ages. The concept of romance as an emotional attachment emerged in the 17th century, and the genre of romance literature became prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,343 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 6340 pepper
- 6341 supper
- 6342 surveillance
- 6343 romance
- 6344 investigating
- 6345 summons
- 6346 terminals
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