love affair

noun

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

2. an active enthusiasm for something.

   my love affair with sailing.

love affair

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of love affair¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Idioms and Phrases

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.

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

Related Words

• adultery 
• affair 
• courtship 
• dalliance 
• devotion 
• fling 
• flirtation 
• infidelity 
• involvement 
• liaison 
• love 
• passion 
• relationship 
• tryst