English Explanatory Dictionary

dalliance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Playful flirtation; amorous play.
  2. An episode of dabbling.
  3. A wasting of time in idleness or trifles.
  4. A sexual relationship, not serious but often illicit.

Pronunciation

/ˈdalɪəns/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-dalliance.wav /ˈdæli.əns/

Word forms

dalliance dalliances

Etymology

From Middle English daliaunce et al., from dalien (“to exchange pleasantries, to chat; to flirt”), from Old French dalier, dailer. By surface analysis, dally + -ance.

Synonyms

flirtation dawdling idling trifling affair affairette fling liaison

Related words

dallier dally dallying
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