dalliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dalliance" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun and can be used to refer to a brief romantic or sexual relationship or a brief indulgence in an activity that is pleasant but not important. Example sentence: The married couple's dalliance lasted only a few weeks before they both returned to their spouses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite a dalliance with separatism during the 1970s, spurred by the discovery of oil, few Shetland Islanders want to secede, which is why Mr Scott then proceeded to explore an alternative: that, in the event of Scottish secession, the northern isles might opt to stay British.

The Economist

A deal between the pair would perhaps be more of a dalliance, conditional and undeclared.But how would Pakistan fare under such an arrangement?

The Economist

Following this, the government's inability to take a firm line on the pan-blue's dalliance with China both parties' leaders visited Beijing last year made Mr Chen look impotent.

The Economist

So incorrigible was Craig that he was forgiven for his dalliance with fascism (in 1941 he was released from a prison camp in Besançon in France by an admirer from Hitler's headquarters staff).

The Economist

But such are the favours showered by the American government on carmakers over recent months, it seems as if politicians have been atoning for a dalliance with another industry (banks, perhaps).

The Economist

Primrose paths of dalliance (Shakespeare, "Hamlet") offer a slower but more relaxing approach.CurrencyMoney may well be the reason you are here; especially if you come from Cahors, the city of usurers, or worked for Lehman Brothers.

The Economist

In his oscillating dalliance with "experience" and "change", he seems to have plumped for "change" as the foundation of his campaign.

The Economist

In the meantime, some Californians are quietly enjoying their dalliance with notoriety.

The Economist

Mr Fahrholz had set out his ideas only in mid-May, soon after he got the top job (his predecessor, Bernhard Walter, was a casualty of the failed dalliance with Deutsche).

The Economist

Another is that his dalliance with Mr Bush, the very thing that was yesterday making the British prime minister into such a social success, is now looking like a liability.

The Economist

America's short-lived dalliance with budget surpluses and falling debt was therefore quite disturbing, in this view, and renewed American borrowing quite the relief.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dalliance" to describe a brief or casual involvement, especially in romantic or political contexts, to add a nuanced and somewhat sophisticated tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dalliance" to describe long-term or deeply meaningful relationships. This word suggests a lack of seriousness or permanence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dalliance" is as a noun. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of casual or temporary involvement. The examples in Ludwig AI show its use in contexts ranging from political associations to romantic relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

12%

Independent

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dalliance" is a noun frequently used to describe a brief, casual involvement, often in romantic or political contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles, particularly in news and media. While it suggests a lack of seriousness, it's essential to use it appropriately to avoid misrepresenting long-term commitments. Related phrases include "flirtation" and "casual affair", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances. When writing, remember that "dalliance" is most effective when describing temporary or lighthearted engagements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flirtation

Focuses specifically on playful romantic interaction, lacking the broader sense of casual involvement.

casual affair

Emphasizes the lack of commitment in a romantic relationship, more direct and less subtle than "dalliance".

brief encounter

Highlights the short duration of a meeting or relationship, applicable in various contexts beyond romance.

fleeting romance

Emphasizes the temporary nature of a romantic connection, adding a touch of sentimentality.

short-lived fling

Suggests a more impulsive and less serious involvement than "dalliance".

passing fancy

Implies a temporary interest or attraction, often whimsical or superficial.

superficial involvement

Highlights a lack of deep commitment or emotional investment, applicable to activities as well as relationships.

lighthearted interlude

Emphasizes the carefree and enjoyable nature of a temporary experience.

temporary diversion

Focuses on the use of something as a way to take one's attention away from something else, often stressfull.

momentary indulgence

Highlights the act of allowing oneself to enjoy a pleasurable activity, often seen as a treat.

FAQs

How to use "dalliance" in a sentence?

You can use "dalliance" to describe a brief romantic affair, as in, "The politician's "dalliance" with the lobbyist caused a scandal", or a casual involvement, such as "His "dalliance" with painting was short-lived".

What can I say instead of "dalliance"?

You can use alternatives like "flirtation", "casual affair", or "brief encounter" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "dalliance" and "affair"?

"Dalliance" suggests a less serious and more fleeting involvement than "affair", which often implies a deeper emotional connection or a more significant breach of trust.

Is "dalliance" always used in a negative context?

While often used to describe questionable or frowned-upon behavior, "dalliance" can also simply refer to a lighthearted or inconsequential involvement without necessarily implying wrongdoing.