Word
flirtation
Phoneticsflir·ta·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/fɫɝˈteɪʃən/
UK/flɜːtˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a playful or romantic way of acting toward someone. It can also mean a short time spent doing something you are not serious about.
n. a playful or romantic behavior intended to attract someone; alternatively, a brief period of involvement in an activity or relationship. Often implies a lack of serious commitment.
Examples
“Their flirtation lasted for months before they became a couple.”
“The politician's flirtation with the new economic policy ended as soon as the public reaction turned negative.”
“What began as a harmless flirtation with the idea of retirement eventually evolved into a full-time commitment to a life of travel and writing.”
Examples
simple
“Their flirtation lasted for months before they became a couple.”
contextual
“The politician's flirtation with the new economic policy ended as soon as the public reaction turned negative.”
complex
“What began as a harmless flirtation with the idea of retirement eventually evolved into a full-time commitment to a life of travel and writing.”
Real-World Examples
“She is all hard edges and armour, agitating for a fight from the off, with a big, dirty laugh and a bawdy flirtation with Nick.” Etymology
From flirt + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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