romantic

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See also Romantic

Contents

English [edit]

Alternative forms [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From romaunt +‎ -ic.

Pronunciation [edit]

Adjective [edit]

romantic (comparative more romantic, superlative most romantic)

  1. (chiefly historical) Of a work of literature, a writer etc.: being like or having the characteristics of a romance, or poetic tale of a mythic or quasi-historical time; fantastic. [from 17th c.]
  2. (obsolete) Fictitious, imaginary. [17th-20th c.]
  3. Fantastic, unrealistic (of an idea etc.); fanciful, sentimental, impractical (of a person). [from 17th c.]
    Mary sighed, knowing her ideals were far too romantic to work in reality.
  4. Having the qualities of romance (in the sense of something appealing deeply to the imagination); invoking on a powerfully sentimental idea of life; evocative, atmospheric. [from 17th c.]
    • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, Chapter 1
      But here is an artist. He desires to paint you the dreamiest, shadiest, quietest, most enchanting bit of romantic landscape in all the valley of the Saco.
    • 1897, Henry James, What Maisie Knew:
      Somehow she wasn't a real sister, but that only made her the more romantic.
  5. Pertaining to an idealised form of love (originally, as might be felt by the heroes of a romance); conducive to romance; loving, affectionate. [from 18th c.]
    Their kiss started casually, but it slowly turned romantic.
  6. Alternative form of Romantic. [from 18th c.]

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Noun [edit]

romantic (plural romantics)

  1. A person with romantic character
  2. A person who is behaving romantically
    Oh, flowers! You're such a romantic.

Translations [edit]

Descendants [edit]