Dictionary
ro•mance
Pronunciation: (
—n., adj.rō-mans', rō'mans;
—v.rō-mans'), [key]
—n., v., -manced, -manc•ing,
—adj.
—
n.
1. a novel or other prose narrative depicting heroic or marvelous deeds, pageantry, romantic exploits, etc., usually in a historical or imaginary setting.
2. the colorful world, life, or conditions depicted in such tales.
3. 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.
4. a baseless, made-up story, usually full of exaggeration or fanciful invention.
5. a romantic spirit, sentiment, emotion, or desire.
6. romantic character or quality.
7. a romantic affair or experience; a love affair.
8. (
cap.)
Also,Romanic.Also called
Romance languages. the 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.
1. to invent or relate romances; indulge in fanciful or extravagant stories or daydreams.
2. to think or talk romantically.
—
v.t.
Informal.
a. to court or woo romantically; treat with ardor or chivalrousness:
He's currently romancing a very attractive widow.
b. 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.)
Also,Romanic.of, pertaining to, or noting Romance:
a Romance language. ro•mance
Pronunciation: (rō-mans'), [key]—
n.
1. Music.a short, simple melody, vocal or instrumental, of tender character.
2. Sp. Lit.a short epic poem, esp. a historical ballad.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
