suitor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suitor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who is courting or seeking the affection of someone, often in a romantic context. Example: "In the classic novel, the suitor faced many challenges to win the heart of the heroine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She delivers certain lines with relish – when she tells her would-be suitor Gabriel Oak: "I hate to be thought men's property" and, when faced with another, William Boldwood, she murmurs pointedly: "It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in language which is chiefly made by men to express theirs".

The Guardian - Film

If you want to turn the heart of a suitor away, show up on a date with a wasp nest on your head.

The Guardian

The club is available for as little as €2m up front, plus a further €1m to guarantee its (substantial) debts, but so far has struggled to attract an adequate suitor.

The Guardian - Sport

And about that newly independent Time Warner, it will likely have to stand alone as well: if the aspiring media giant was hoping for a major league suitor, its last best hope – none other than Rupert Murdoch himself – just dropped 21st Century Fox's acquisition offer because he thought Time Warner just couldn't agree on a compelling offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the show, she plays 20 different characters ranging from a hijabi feminist caught between her commitment to Muslim culture and her desire to wear sexy lingerie, to a mother searching for her daughter's suitor in the local newspaper's matrimonial section.

The Guardian

Her young soldier suitor was played by a newcomer, John Agar, whom she had married three years previously.

The Guardian - Film

If you don't really drink, for whatever reason, I can speak from experience that dating in this country is next to impossible: how can a prospective British suitor possibly make a move on you unless you are reassuringly stupefied by alcohol?

The Guardian - Opinion

It is as if a bridegroom busy planning a wedding found his fiancée was secretly planning an alternative wedding with another suitor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Euronext may make a fresh approach to London once this hurdle has been overcome.One further possible suitor is Nasdaq, America's electronic stockmarket and a putative partner to iX's high-growth market.

The Economist

As often happens in May-to-December romances, even a well-financed suitor can encounter resistance from the youthful object of desire.

The Economist

Fortune, another suitor, is close to V&S as both are part of Maxxium, a distribution network that is a joint-venture between the two companies alongside Rémy Cointreau, a French drinks firm and Edrington Group, another spirits company.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suitor" in a business context, ensure the surrounding language clearly indicates a merger or acquisition scenario to avoid any misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "suitor" for "suit". "Suitor" refers to someone who is courting another or seeking something (like a business acquisition), while "suit" refers to a set of clothes or a legal action.

Linguistic Context

The noun "suitor" functions primarily as a subject or object in sentences, denoting an individual or entity actively seeking something, whether it's affection or a business acquisition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "suitor" is a grammatically correct noun with a rich history, commonly found in news and media, denoting one who seeks something, be it love or a business takeover. Ludwig AI confirms its regular use in contemporary English. While "suitor" is useful in formal contexts, simpler terms might be more appropriate for casual conversation. Remember to use it accurately, differentiating it from "suit". It's a versatile term with diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wooer

Similar to "suitor" but with a slightly more old-fashioned or literary feel.

courter

A synonym emphasizing the act of courting, retaining a similar romantic nuance.

admirer

Focuses on the positive feelings one holds, rather than the active pursuit.

pursuer

Highlights the active chasing or seeking aspect, broader than just romance.

contender for

Emphasizes competition, applicable in both romantic and business contexts.

beau

An antiquated term for a male admirer or "suitor", now rarely used.

prospective partner

Refers to a potential business relationship, deviating from the romantic connotation of "suitor".

potential acquirer

Specifically used in the context of business takeovers, lacking the romantic element.

applicant

In a formal context such as job position seeking, shifting from romantic seeking.

petitioner

Someone making a formal request, differing from the romantic or business connotations of "suitor".

FAQs

What does "suitor" mean?

A "suitor" is someone who seeks the affection of another person, typically with the intention of marriage. It can also refer to a company seeking to acquire another.

What can I say instead of "suitor"?

You can use alternatives like "wooer", "courter", "admirer" or, in a business context, "prospective partner".

Is "suitor" a formal word?

"Suitor" is considered a relatively formal word, often found in literature or news reports. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "boyfriend" or "admirer" might be more common.

How is "suitor" used in a business context?

In business, "suitor" refers to a company that is attempting to acquire another company. For example: "Several companies emerged as potential "potential acquirers" for the struggling tech firm".