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Suitor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suitor

[หˆsuหษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

romantic relationship

A suitor is a man who is trying to persuade a woman to marry him.

Synonyms

admirer, beau, wooer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suitor

Use when referring to someone formally seeking a romantic relationship, often with the intention of marriage. It has a somewhat old-fashioned or formal tone.

  • She had many suitors vying for her hand in marriage.
  • The young suitor brought flowers every day.
admirer

Use when referring to someone who likes or is infatuated with another person, often from a distance, and without necessarily taking any actions towards a romantic relationship. It can imply unspoken feelings.

  • She found a note from an anonymous admirer in her locker.
  • He was flattered to learn he had a secret admirer.
wooer

Use when referring to a person who actively pursues someone for a romantic relationship, often making efforts to win their affection. It has a somewhat poetic or old-fashioned tone.

  • The persistent wooer serenaded her under her window.
  • He was known as a charming wooer who never gave up easily.
beau

Use when referring to a boyfriend or male companion in a more casual and somewhat old-fashioned way. It's often used in informal, light-hearted conversation.

  • Her new beau took her dancing every weekend.
  • She introduced her beau to her friends at the party.

Examples of usage

  • She had many suitors vying for her attention.
  • He was a persistent suitor, always bringing her flowers.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

In legal terms, a suitor is a person who brings a lawsuit or seeks justice in a court of law.

Synonyms

claimant, petitioner, plaintiff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suitor

When someone is seeking to win someone's favor or affection, usually in a romantic context.

  • He was her most persistent suitor, always bringing her flowers and gifts.
  • The suitors gathered at the party hoping to catch her eye.
plaintiff

When someone is bringing a lawsuit against another party in a court of law, often used in legal contexts. This term is neutral but can hint at conflict.

  • The plaintiff accused the company of unfair dismissal.
  • In the lawsuit, the plaintiff sought compensation for the injuries sustained.
claimant

When someone is making a formal demand for something, typically in legal or official scenarios.

  • The claimant filed a case against the insurance company for not compensating the damages.
  • Multiple claimants emerged, each asserting their right to the estate.
petitioner

When someone is making a formal request, often in a legal or governmental context. The tone is generally neutral or objective.

  • The petitioner asked the court for a restraining order.
  • Hundreds of petitioners signed the document demanding environmental reforms.

Examples of usage

  • The suitor filed a lawsuit against the company for breach of contract.
  • The suitor sought justice for the wrongful actions of the defendant.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Suitors often appear in classical literature, such as in Homerโ€™s 'Odyssey,' where the suitors of Penelope vie for her hand in Odysseusโ€™s absence.
  • In Jane Austen's novels, suitors frequently navigate social expectations and class distinctions to win a woman's affection.

Social Customs

  • In many cultures, the process of courtship involving suitors often includes formal rituals or traditions that involve family approval.
  • A suitor might have to perform acts of bravery, demonstrate wealth, or showcase skills to impress the person they love, reflecting their commitment.

Chronology of Courtship

  • During the Victorian era, a suitorโ€™s role was often strictly defined, including chaperoned visits and formal proposals.
  • With the rise of the 20th century, the concept of dating became more prevalent, altering the traditional role of suitors in romantic relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often portray suitors in humorous or dramatic ways, highlighting the challenges of winning over a beloved.
  • Reality dating shows frequently feature participants who act as suitors, competing for the attention of a single person.

Origin of 'suitor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'suitor' comes from the Latin 'suitor,' meaning 'to pursue' or 'to seek'.
  • Historically, the term has roots in the medieval courtship practices and was used to describe a man who sought a woman's hand in marriage.

The word 'suitor' originated from the Old French word 'sutor', which means 'one who sews'. It was initially used in the context of a man who sews, repairs, or alters clothes. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a man who pursues a romantic relationship with a woman, often with the intention of marriage. In legal contexts, 'suitor' came to denote a person who brings a lawsuit or petition to a court seeking justice. The term has been used in English language for centuries, reflecting the changing social and legal dynamics of society.

See also: suit, suitability, suitable, suitably, suite, unsuitability, unsuitable, unsuitably, unsuited.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,193, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.