flirting
flirting — verb
- flirtingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- flirtings3rd person singular
- flirtinging-ing form
- flirtingedpast simple
1. to talk or behave toward someone in a playful, lighthearted way that suggests yo
to talk or behave toward someone in a playful, lighthearted way that suggests you find them attractive, but without having a serious romantic intention behind it
Mei-Lin flirted with the bartender all evening, laughing at his jokes and touching his arm.
flirt with [person]
At the wedding reception, Diego and Sofia flirted across the table during the main course.
Some people flirt to build their confidence, even when they have no serious romantic interest.
The waiter flirted with every customer at table seven, bringing extra desserts with a wink.
Jack saw his colleague flirting with him at the office party and felt too shy to respond.
- tease
playful but not always romantic; can be friendly
- chat up
informal; specifically means talking to someone to start a romantic or sexual relationship
- make eyes at
describes only the gaze, not conversation
文法句型
flirt with [someone]
用法筆記
The verb is always used with 'with' before the person you are flirting with. It cannot take a direct object — 'She flirted him' is incorrect.
常見錯誤
flirting — noun
1. the activity or behaviour of talking or acting in a playful romantic way towards
the activity or behaviour of talking or acting in a playful romantic way towards someone, usually without serious intention
Amara saw her friend's flirting with the neighbor as harmless fun rather than a serious attempt.
possessive + flirting + with [someone]
The playful flirting between Vikram and Nadia made everyone at the dinner table smile.
flirting between [two people]
A little flirting at a party can make the evening more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Kofi's obvious flirting with the server embarrassed his wife, who sat silently nearby.
- flirtation
more formal; can also mean a brief romantic relationship
- coquetry
archaic or literary; describes playful, teasing behaviour
- indifference
lack of interest or concern
文法句型
[possessive] + flirting
flirting + with [someone]
用法筆記
Typically uncountable when referring to the general activity. A specific instance can be referred to as 'a bit of flirting' or with a possessive determiner.
常見錯誤
2. a person who regularly behaves in a playful, romantically suggestive way toward
a person who regularly behaves in a playful, romantically suggestive way toward others, often without serious interest
Mei-Lin has a reputation as a flirt, always teasing the regulars at her café with a wink.
reputation as a flirt
Luisa called her younger brother a flirt after he complimented three different guests at the family dinner.
call + someone + a flirt
A flirt often uses the same jokes and compliments on different people just to get attention.
Omar told his friend to stop acting like such a flirt and take the date seriously for once.
- flirt
the standard noun for a person who flirts; use instead of 'flirting' in natural speech
- charmer
slightly positive; someone who attracts others with their personality
- heartbreaker
emotional impact; someone who flirts and then rejects admirers
- prude
someone who is easily shocked by romantic or sexual behaviour
文法句型
be a flirt
known as a flirt
用法筆記
While this sense is listed under the noun 'flirting', the standard countable noun for a person who flirts is 'flirt'. Using 'flirting' directly as a countable person noun is non-standard. Use 'flirt' instead in all natural contexts.