ro•mance
Pronunciation: (n., adj.rō-mans', rō'mansv.rō-mans'), [key]
— n., v., adj. -manced, -manc•ing,
—n.
- a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting.
- the colorful world, life, or conditions depicted in such tales.
- a medieval narrative, originally one in verse and in some Romance dialect, treating of heroic, fantastic, or supernatural events, often in the form of allegory.
- a baseless, made-up story, usually full of exaggeration or fanciful invention.
- a romantic spirit, sentiment, emotion, or desire.
- romantic character or quality.
- a romantic affair or experience; a love affair.
- (cap.) Also calledthe group of Italic Indo-European languages descended sincea.d.800 from Latin, as French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Rumanian, Provençal, Catalan, Rhaeto-Romanic, Sardinian, and Ladino. Abbr.: Rom.
—v.i.
- to invent or relate romances; indulge in fanciful or extravagant stories or daydreams.
- to think or talk romantically.
—v.t.
- He's currently romancing a very attractive widow.
- to court or woo romantically; treat with ardor or chivalrousness:He's currently romancing a very attractive widow.
- to court the favor of or make overtures to; play up to:They need to romance the local business community if they expect to do business here.
—adj.
- (cap.) of, pertaining to, or noting Romance: a Romance language.
ro•mance
Pronunciation: (rō-mans'), [key]
— n.
- a short, simple melody, vocal or instrumental, of tender character.
- a short epic poem, esp. a historical ballad.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.