French Conversation · Level 104
60 words
French word
courtiser
Pronunciation
IPA/kuʁtize/
Meaning
- verbflirt with ___
Example
Il courtise sa collègue depuis des semaines.
He has been flirting with his colleague for weeks.
More examples
Il a essayé de courtiser sa voisine pendant les vacances.
He tried to court his neighbor during vacation.
Core concept
Repeated attentive approaches aimed at becoming a favored person, partner, or ally.
Common phrases
courtiser quelqu'un
court someone
se faire courtiser par quelqu'un
be courted by someone
courtiser discrètement
court discreetly
Similar words
séduire: To charm someone through words or behavior and spark romantic interest.
draguer: To make a casual approach with the aim of dating someone.
charmer: To strongly appeal to someone through engaging words or behavior.
flatter: To gain someone's goodwill or support by praising them.
Definition in French
Solliciter l'affection ou la faveur d'une personne par des marques d'attention, parfois dans un but intéressé.
Word origin
The verb is derived from French cour, meaning court, by the suffix -iser, linking its older courtly sense with its broader sense of seeking favor.
Usage tips
- In political or commercial contexts, courtiser can take voters, customers, or investors as its object without implying romance.