Definition

1. Noun:
   • A romantic and often secretive relationship between two people who are in love but are not married to each other, or where the relationship exists outside of a primary commitment. This typically implies a strong emotional and physical involvement.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Their love affair lasted for several years before anyone found out.
  • The novel details the passionate love affair between the diplomat and the artist.
  • He had a brief love affair while working abroad.

Advanced Usage

• "A love affair with something": An intense enthusiasm or passion for an activity, concept, or object, used metaphorically.
  • She has had a lifelong love affair with the piano.
  • The city's love affair with jazz music is well-known.

Variants and Related Words

• Affair (n): Can be a more general term for a romantic relationship, often secretive. "Love affair" is a more specific and common collocation.
• Romance (n): A close, often temporary, relationship between two people in love.
• Liaison (n): A secret or illicit romantic or sexual relationship.

Synonyms

• Romantic relationship
• Affair
• Liaison
• Amour (literary)

Related Phrases

• To have a love affair (with someone): To be engaged in such a relationship.
  • It was rumored that he was having a love affair with his assistant.
• To carry on a love affair: To continue such a relationship.
  • They carried on their love affair in secret for months.

Related Idioms

• A torrid love affair: A very passionate, intense, and often tumultuous romantic relationship.
  • The biography exposed the actor's torrid love affair with a co-star.
• A whirlwind love affair: A romantic relationship that develops very quickly and intensely.
  • Their whirlwind love affair led to a hasty marriage.

Noun

1. a relationship between two lovers