romantic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'romantic' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or an action that demonstrates warm, tender feelings, such as 'He showed his love with a romantic gesture'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city can be hectic, so to slow things down and keep a romantic feel, stay on Heybeliada, one of the Princes Islandss that lie just a short ferry ride from the centre of the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Easyjet (easyjet.com) flies from Luton and Gatwick to Istanbul 4. MARRAKECH There is something hugely romantic about disappearing through an unmarked door in the medina into a coolly elegant hotel or ornately tiled cafe.

The Guardian - Travel

On the banks of the Drava, the 16th-century Water Tower (Usnjarska 10) is now a romantic wine bar with live jazz and passing swans.

The Guardian - Travel

You can't visit Antigua without going sailing: we opted for a romantic sunset sail around the bay.

The Guardian - Travel

In an age in which everything is seen, everything is analysed and nothing is left to the imagination there is something romantic about memories that are yours and yours alone.

The Guardian - Sport

I think most of the above is tosh, but I have been listening to romantic politicians of both left and right – from Enoch Powell to Tony Benn – making versions of it most of my life.

The Guardian

Sydney is proving something of a romantic city for the pair; during last year's tournament Wozniacki and McIlroy went for a trip to the top of Sydney Tower, together enjoying the magnificent views over the harbour.

The Guardian - Sport

The two boys are great friends but Gabriel has romantic feelings for Nathan who obviously doesn't return his feelings because he loves Annalise.

The Guardian

His written prose, including many sensible reviews were more normal but his verse, which shows some influence of A E Housman who taught him at Cambridge, clearly indicates the romantic urge driving him.

The Guardian

[phone], cercadosul.com, doubles from €70 B&B Sara's tip: The Historical Way is the romantic side of the Rota Vicentina, as opposed to the dramatic scenery of the Fisherman's trail.

The Guardian - Travel

Serial monogamy characterised my early romantic life, as it does for many people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "romantic" to characterize individuals who express affection and love in meaningful ways. For example, "He is a romantic partner."

Common error

Avoid using "romantic" to describe situations that lack a connection to love, affection, or idealized sentiment. Using "romantic" to describe democracy or politics can weaken the word's impact when describing loving relationships.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "romantic" primarily functions to describe something that evokes or relates to love, affection, or idealized sentiment. Ludwig examples show its use in describing settings, actions, and people associated with these feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Film

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "romantic" is commonly used to describe something that evokes or relates to love, affection, or idealized sentiment. As per Ludwig, it functions to express feelings of love and tenderness across different domains like news, travel, and lifestyle. Its usage is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To make the most of the word, use "romantic" to evoke strong emotions, avoid overusing it in non-romantic contexts. Alternatives such as "affectionate", "loving", and "passionate" can be considered to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lovesome

Describes someone or something that inspires love, directly comparable to a "romantic" quality.

tender

Signifies gentleness and care, aspects often displayed in romantic relationships but not exclusive to them.

affectionate

Implies warmth and fondness, differing from "romantic" in its broader application to familial or platonic love.

loving

Conveys deep caring and attachment, often less intense or idealized than "romantic".

amorous

Suggests being in love, primarily related to sexual desire, which "romantic" encompasses but isn't limited to.

passionate

Implies intense emotion, which can include romantic feelings but isn't exclusive to them.

sentimental

Highlights emotional value and nostalgia, a component of but not synonymous with "romantic".

ardent

Suggests fervent and enthusiastic feelings, a strong type of emotion that can be "romantic" in nature.

courtly

Implies refined and respectful behavior, a traditional element sometimes associated with romantic interactions.

idealistic

Focuses on high-minded and often impractical views, whereas "romantic" centers on love and sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "romantic" in a sentence?

You can use "romantic" to describe settings or events that evoke feelings of love and affection, as in "They had a romantic dinner". It can also describe a person who expresses love and affection, such as "He's a romantic partner".

What are some synonyms for "romantic"?

Depending on the context, you could use "affectionate", "loving", "passionate", or "sentimental".

What is the difference between "romantic" and "sentimental"?

"Romantic" typically refers to love and affection, often in an idealized way. "Sentimental", on the other hand, refers to being emotional or nostalgic, which can be related to love but isn't always the primary focus.

When is it appropriate to use "romantic"?

Use "romantic" when you want to highlight feelings of love, affection, and idealized sentiment. Avoid using it in contexts where these feelings are not relevant, as this can dilute the word's meaning and create confusion.