Valentine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
❤️
valentine
[ˈvælənˌtaɪn ]
Definitions
romantic gift
A valentine is traditionally a card or gift given to someone on Valentine's Day to express love and affection. It often features romantic messages, poems, or symbols such as hearts. The act of giving a valentine is a way to celebrate romantic relationships and friendship.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She received a beautiful valentine from her secret admirer.
- He wrote a heartfelt message in his valentine for her.
- Valentines are exchanged among friends and lovers each February.
Valentine's Day
Valentine refers to the celebration of Saint Valentine, a day observed on February 14th in many countries, commemorating the lives of saints named Valentine. It has evolved into a day where people express love and affection through gifts and cards.
Synonyms
February 14, St. Valentine.
Examples of usage
- Many couples go out for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day.
- Children exchange valentines in school to share friendship.
- The store had many decorations for Valentine’s Day.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries, often with the exchange of gifts, love notes, and romantic gestures.
- In some cultures, it’s common for friends to exchange valentines, not just couples, emphasizing love in a broader sense.
Psychology
- Research suggests that expressing love and affection can strengthen relationships and improve emotional well-being.
- Valentine's Day can evoke a range of emotions, from joy to loneliness, influencing how people feel about love in general.
Art and Literature
- Valentine figures prominently in poetry and literature, often symbolizing love's complexity and beauty.
- Famous poems, like those by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, explore themes of love that resonate during the Valentine season.
Commercial Impact
- Valentine's Day is a significant commercial event, with billions spent on gifts, cards, and flowers every year.
- The increase in card sales around February 14th demonstrates how deeply embedded this celebration is in modern culture.
Origin of 'valentine'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'valentine' comes from the Latin name 'Valentinus,' which means 'strong' or 'healthy.'
- It became associated with love due to the stories of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who is celebrated on February 14th.
The term 'valentine' originates from the Latin name 'Valentinus', which means 'strength' or 'healthy'. It is associated with various Christian martyrs named Valentine, especially Saint Valentine of Rome, who was executed on February 14th, around 269 AD. Over the centuries, this date transformed into a celebration of romantic love, particularly in the Middle Ages when courtly love grew popular. By the 18th century, it became common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection, such as handwritten notes. The tradition of sending valentines continued to grow, leading to the mass production of greeting cards in the 19th century, further embedding the practice into modern culture.