Courtship
/ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
nounB2
Definition
Courtship means the time and actions when two people try to get to know each other better because they want to become a couple. It often includes activities like dating, giving gifts, or spending time together to show love or attraction. Courtship is usually more serious and traditional than casual dating.
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⚡ See It in Action
The period or process of trying to form a romantic relationship
- •They began their courtship with long walks and talks every evening.
- •Courtship customs vary in different cultures around the world.
- •His family approved of their courtship because they seemed very serious.
Traditional or formal behaviors to show romantic interest
- •In some cultures, courtship includes formal visits and giving gifts.
- •The couple’s courtship lasted two years before they got engaged.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "courtship" like "dating" (A2 word), but more formal and focused on starting a serious relationship or marriage
- ✓Picture two people meeting and spending time together, like walking in a park or talking at dinner, trying to show they care
- ✓It's the feeling when you are excited and nervous because you want someone to like you in a special way
- ✓Sounds like "COURT-ship" → imagine a "court" where people meet to decide if they want to be partners, like a special meeting place
- ✓Think of old stories or movies where a man and woman try to win each other's hearts with gifts and kind words
- ✓NOT like "friendship" (just being friends), courtship is about romantic interest and love
- ✓NOT like "flirting" (quick, playful attention), courtship is longer and more serious
- ✓NOT like "marriage" (the final step), courtship is the time before marriage when people decide if they want to marry
- ✓Courtship often involves actions from both people to show respect and care, not just one person trying to impress
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Dating: spending time with someone you like (Use when the relationship is casual or less formal)
- •Romance: feelings or actions of love (Use when focusing on feelings rather than the process)
- •Wooing: trying to gain someone's love, often with gifts or kind words (Use when emphasizing the action of trying to attract someone)
- •Engagement period: time after courtship when people agree to marry (Use when the relationship is very serious and close to marriage)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "court" (a place where people meet, or to seek favor) + "-ship" (a suffix meaning condition or state)
- •Etymology: From Old French and Latin, originally meaning the act of seeking favor or attention, especially in love
- •Historical development: Originally referred to formal meetings at a royal court, later used for romantic seeking and traditional marriage customs
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the process before marriage when people show romantic interest seriously and respectfully
- •Key insight: Courtship is about careful and respectful efforts to build a lasting romantic relationship
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you think courtship is different in your culture compared to others?
•Can courtship happen today in modern ways, or is it mostly an old-fashioned idea? Why?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.During courtship, people often ___ time together to learn about each other’s feelings and interests.
2.Courtship usually involves more serious intentions than just casual ___.
3.In traditional courtship, giving ___ is a common way to show love and respect.
4.Unlike friendship, courtship focuses on developing ___ feelings and a possible future together.
5.Courtship can be long or short, but it usually happens before ___ or a serious commitment.
6.Some cultures have special rules or ___ for courtship that couples must follow.
7.When two people are in courtship, they often try to ___ each other’s families and friends.