love-affair

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Romantic relationship: "love-affair" refers to a romantic or sexual relationship between two people, typically one that is intense but not necessarily long-term or permanent.
   • Passionate involvement: It can also denote a strong enthusiasm or fascination with an activity, idea, or object, often implying a temporary or intense period of interest.

Usage Examples

• Romantic relationship:

  • She had a secret love-affair with her colleague that lasted for several months. (A romantic relationship kept hidden from others.)
  • The novel describes a passionate love-affair between two artists in Paris. (A romantic and emotional connection.)

• Passionate involvement:

  • His love-affair with photography began when he was a teenager. (A strong and enduring interest in photography.)
  • The country’s love-affair with fast food shows no signs of slowing down. (A widespread and intense enthusiasm for fast food.)

Advanced Usage

• "a love-affair with something": to have a deep, often temporary, enthusiasm or obsession for a particular activity, place, or concept.

  • Her love-affair with the city of Rome ended when she moved to London. (Her intense fondness for Rome faded after relocation.)

• "to have a love-affair": to engage in a romantic relationship, often with a connotation of secrecy or excitement.

  • They had a brief love-affair while traveling through Europe. (A short but intense romantic connection.)

Variants and Related Words

• Love (n): a strong feeling of deep affection.
  • Their love for each other was evident to everyone. (Deep affection.)
• Affair (n): an event or sequence of events; also, a romantic or sexual relationship, often extramarital.
  • The scandal involved a high-profile affair between two celebrities. (A romantic relationship outside marriage.)
• Love-struck (adj): deeply affected by romantic love.
  • He was love-struck after meeting her at the party. (Overwhelmed by romantic feelings.)

Synonyms

• Romance: a love affair, especially one that is idealized or exciting.
• Relationship: a connection between two people, often romantic.
• Flirtation: a brief or casual romantic involvement.
• Passion: intense romantic or sexual desire.

Related Idioms

• A torrid love-affair: a very intense and passionate romantic relationship, often with difficulties or scandals.
  • The press covered every detail of their torrid love-affair. (A highly emotional and scandalous romance.)
• Love-affair with the past: a strong nostalgia or fondness for previous times.
  • His love-affair with the past led him to collect vintage cars. (A deep interest in historical objects or eras.)