courting
C1Formal, literary; also used in journalism for non-romantic senses.
Definition
Meaning
The present participle/gerund of 'court', meaning to be involved in a romantic relationship with someone, typically with the intention of marriage.
Actively trying to win the favour, support, or approval of someone or some group, often through sustained attention or flattery. Can also refer to engaging in actions that risk a particular outcome (e.g., courting danger).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The romantic sense is somewhat old-fashioned but still understood. The 'seeking favour' sense is common in politics/business. The 'risking' sense is often used with abstract nouns like 'danger', 'disaster', 'controversy'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The romantic sense may sound slightly more archaic in AmE, where 'dating' is more common.
Connotations
In both, the romantic sense can imply a more serious, traditional, or chivalrous pursuit. The non-romantic sense is neutral.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in BrE, particularly in journalistic use (e.g., 'courting voters').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[court] + [NP] (e.g., courting investors)[court] + [NP] + [for NP] (e.g., courting her for months)[be courting] (e.g., They are courting.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “courting disaster”
- “courting favour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company is courting major investors from Asia.
Academic
The policy was accused of courting social division.
Everyday
They've been courting for about a year now.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The prince was courting a young lady from the countryside.
- The opposition is openly courting disaffected Labour voters.
American English
- He spent months courting her before proposing.
- The startup is courting venture capital from Silicon Valley.
adverb
British English
- Not standard usage.
American English
- Not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- They were a courting couple, often seen walking in the park.
- The firm's courting behaviour towards regulators was deemed excessive.
American English
- In their courting days, they wrote letters every week.
- His courting attitude towards the committee was transparently insincere.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandparents were courting for two years before they married.
- The politician is courting young voters.
- By ignoring expert advice, the government is courting economic disaster.
- The company has been actively courting foreign investment.
- His inflammatory rhetoric seems deliberately calculated to be courting controversy.
- The two nations are courting each other assiduously, forming a strategic alliance against a common rival.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a royal COURT where a knight tries to win the favour of the king or a princess. 'Courting' is like being in that process of trying to win approval or love.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANCE/FAVOUR IS A GAME OR CONTEST (with rules and a goal). DANGER/CHANGE IS A PERSON ONE INVITES (courting disaster).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'ухаживать' in all contexts; 'courting' is more formal/serious than casual dating. For 'courting favour', a phrase like 'добиваться расположения' is better than a literal translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'courting' for very casual dating (sounds too formal). *'He is courting with her.' (Incorrect preposition; use 'courting her').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'courting' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the original and most specific meaning is romantic pursuit, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean 'trying to win the favour of' (e.g., courting voters) or 'acting in a way that invites' something negative (e.g., courting trouble).
'Dating' is a modern, general term for a romantic relationship. 'Courting' implies a more formal, serious, and often old-fashioned process with marriage as a clear goal. 'Courting' can sound quaint or literary in modern casual contexts.
Yes, very commonly. Phrases like 'courting clients', 'courting investors', or 'courting a merger' are standard, meaning to assiduously seek their business or approval.
It is a transitive verb and takes a direct object. You court someone or something. You do not 'court with someone'. In the 'risk' sense, it is also transitive: 'court disaster'.
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