dalliance
/'dæliəns/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A brief or casual romantic or sexual relationship, often without serious commitment: This meaning refers to a lighthearted, non-serious involvement with someone, typically characterized by flirtation or amorous play. 2. The act of wasting time or dawdling; a frivolous or trifling activity: This meaning refers to spending time in an idle, playful, or unserious manner, often instead of focusing on important tasks.
Examples of Usage
- Meaning 1 (Romantic/Flirtatious):
- Their summer romance was nothing more than a brief dalliance.
- He was known for his many dalliances with actresses.
- Meaning 2 (Trifling/Wasting Time):
- We can no longer afford such dalliance; the project deadline is approaching.
- His work suffered due to his dalliance with online games.
Advanced Usage
- "A dalliance with (an idea, a hobby, etc.)": A brief, unserious, or experimental involvement with something.
- In his youth, he had a dalliance with socialism before entering the family business.
- Her dalliance with painting was short-lived.
Variants and Related Words
- Dally (verb): To act or move slowly; to waste time; to flirt or engage in amorous play.
- Don't dally on your way home.
- He was accused of dallying with his secretary.
Synonyms
- Flirtation: Playful romantic or sexual behavior.
- Fling: A short, passionate, and often casual romantic relationship.
- Trifling: Treating someone or something as unimportant.
- Dawdling: Wasting time; moving slowly.
- Frivolity: Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness.
Related Idioms
- To have a dalliance: To engage in a brief, casual romantic or flirtatious relationship.
- Rumors spread about the politician having a dalliance with a staffer.
Noun
- playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
- the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working