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Courtship: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：animal mating behavior (courtship)
courtship
/ˈkɔːtʃɪp/
n.
The special behavior animals show to attract a mate for having babies.
animal mating behavior
➕
/ˈænɪməl ˈmeɪtɪŋ bɪˈheɪvjər/
n.
The behaviors exhibited by animals to attract a mate for reproduction.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'court' (to woo) + '-ship' (state), meaning the act of wooing.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a court where a ship sails in romance; court-ship equals wooing.
📖 Example
During the spring, the male bird performs a colorful dance as part of its courtship to attract a female.
In spring, male birds display vibrant dances to court females.
🔗 Collocations
courtship display – a visual or behavioral show to attract a mate
courtship ritual – a set of actions performed during wooing
mating courtship – courtship related to reproduction
🔄 Synonyms
wooing (n.) – the act of seeking to attract a mate
mating display (n.) – behavior to attract a partner for reproduction
🚫 Antonyms
avoidance (n.) – the act of staying away from potential mates
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from medieval courtly love traditions, where formal rituals were used to woo a potential spouse, later extended to animal behavior.
Meaning 2：romantic wooing (courtship)
courtship
/ˈkɔːtʃɪp/
n.
The act of courting someone with romantic gestures, especially before marriage.
romantic wooing
➕
/rəˈmæntɪk ˈwuːɪŋ/
n.
The process of showing romantic interest and gestures to win someone's affection, typically before marriage.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He wrote her love letters as part of his courtship to win her heart.
He sent love letters to court her and gain her love.
🔗 Collocations
courtship period – the time during which wooing occurs
courtship gifts – presents given to express romantic interest
formal courtship – structured and traditional wooing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
rejection (n.) – the act of refusing someone's advances
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