courtship
UK/'kɒ:tʃip/US
TOEFLA2
Definitions
n.
The period or activity of courting someone, usually leading to marriage
求爱，追求；恋爱期
n.
The behavior of animals attracting a mate
（动物的）求偶行为
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcourtenclosed yard, royal residence, place of justice
+
-shipstatus, office, skill
=courtship
court (to woo) + -ship (state, period) = the state or stretch of time spent wooing someone. The image is a suitor 'paying court' to a beloved, just as courtiers paid court to a king. Biologists borrowed it for animals attracting mates ('courtship display').
Common Collocations
- 1.a long courtship漫长的恋爱期
- 2.courtship ritual求爱仪式
- 3.courtship display求偶展示
Example Sentences
- 1.
After a short courtship, the couple got engaged.
- 2.
Their courtship lasted three years before marriage.
- 3.
The male bird performs an elaborate courtship dance.