coquet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, dated, formal
Quick answer
What does “coquet” mean?
To flirt, trifle, or play with amorously without serious intentions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To flirt, trifle, or play with amorously without serious intentions.
To behave in a teasing or playful way; to treat something lightly or without seriousness, to toy with an idea, person, or subject.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with 19th-century literature and a genteel, perhaps coy, style of flirtation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. The noun 'coquette' (a flirtatious woman) is slightly more common but still dated.
Grammar
How to Use “coquet” in a Sentence
[Subject] + coquet + with + [Object (person/idea)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coquet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would coquet with every eligible bachelor at the ball, but never commit.
- The politician was accused of coquetting with the idea of a referendum without any real intention.
American English
- He coquetted with the notion of moving to New York, but ultimately stayed put.
- In the novel, the heroine coquets with danger by meeting the stranger alone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'flirt' is the universal term.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coquet”
- Using it as a noun (the noun is 'coquette').
- Pronouncing it as /ˈkɒkɪt/ (like 'pocket'). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'flirt' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or highly literary. The verb 'flirt' or 'toy with' are used in almost all contemporary contexts.
'Coquet' is primarily a verb meaning to flirt. 'Coquette' is a noun referring to a flirtatious woman. They are related but different parts of speech.
Yes, though historically more common for women, the verb can describe the flirtatious behaviour of any person.
Yes, it can be used figuratively to mean treating any subject (e.g., an idea, danger, a career) in a light, playful, or non-serious manner.
To flirt, trifle, or play with amorously without serious intentions.
Coquet is usually literary, dated, formal in register.
Coquet: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈkɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈkɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “coquet with danger (to flirt with or treat danger lightly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COQuette (a flirt) who likes to COquet (to flirt). The 'coq' sounds like 'cock' (rooster) strutting about, showing off.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC INTEREST IS A GAME (to coquet is to play the game lightly).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CLOSEST synonym for 'coquet' in its primary sense?