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FLIRTATION
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
Synonyms:
coquetry; dalliance; flirt; flirtation; flirting; toying
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("flirtation" is a kind of...):
caper; frolic; gambol; play; romp (gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement)
Derivation:
flirt (talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions)
Context examples:
To amuse her, and be agreeable in her eyes, seemed all that he cared for—and Emma, glad to be enlivened, not sorry to be flattered, was gay and easy too, and gave him all the friendly encouragement, the admission to be gallant, which she had ever given in the first and most animating period of their acquaintance; but which now, in her own estimation, meant nothing, though in the judgment of most people looking on it must have had such an appearance as no English word but flirtation could very well describe.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Miss Thorpe, however, being four years older than Miss Morland, and at least four years better informed, had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge, its fashions with the fashions of London; could rectify the opinions of her new friend in many articles of tasteful attire; could discover a flirtation between any gentleman and lady who only smiled on each other; and point out a quiz through the thickness of a crowd.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
In this spirit he began the attack, and by animated perseverance had soon re-established the sort of familiar intercourse, of gallantry, of flirtation, which bounded his views; but in triumphing over the discretion which, though beginning in anger, might have saved them both, he had put himself in the power of feelings on her side more strong than he had supposed.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Her eyes should be darker, but she has a sweet smile; but as for this wonderful degree of improvement, I am sure it may all be resolved into a better style of dress, and your having nobody else to look at; and therefore, if you do set about a flirtation with her, you never will persuade me that it is in compliment to her beauty, or that it proceeds from anything but your own idleness and folly.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Go on. He won't annoy you. I think he realizes that his presumptuous little flirtation is over.
(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
