Valentine: meaning, definitions and examples

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valentine

 

[ˈvælənˌtaɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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

card, gift, love note.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "valentine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 valentim

🇮🇳 वैलेंटाइन

🇩🇪 Valentin

🇮🇩 valentine

🇺🇦 валентин

🇵🇱 walentynki

🇯🇵 バレンタイン

🇫🇷 Valentin

🇪🇸 San Valentín

🇹🇷 Sevgililer Günü

🇰🇷 발렌타인

🇸🇦 فالنتاين

🇨🇿 Valentýn

🇸🇰 Valentín

🇨🇳 情人节

🇸🇮 Valentin

🇮🇸 Valentínus

🇰🇿 Валентин

🇬🇪 ვალენტინი

🇦🇿 sevgililər günü

🇲🇽 Día de San Valentín

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,295 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.