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Synonyms

love affair

American  

noun

  1. a romantic relationship or episode between lovers; an amour.

  2. an active enthusiasm for something.

    my love affair with sailing.


love affair British  

noun

  1. a romantic or sexual relationship, esp a temporary one, between two people

  2. a great enthusiasm or liking for something

    a love affair with ballet

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

love affair Idioms  
  1. An intimate sexual relationship, as in They had a torrid love affair many years ago . This expression dates from about 1600, when it referred merely to the experiences connected with being in love. The current sense dates from the second half of the 1800s.

  2. A strong enthusiasm, as in We can't ignore America's love affair with the automobile . [Mid-1900s]


Etymology

Origin of love affair

First recorded in 1585–95