What does romantically mean?
Romantically is an adverb meaning in a manner associated with love, affection, or romantic ideals. It commonly describes people’s feelings or relationships, as in “They are romantically involved,” and can also describe how a place, period, or subject is portrayed. In the latter sense, the word often carries a connotation of idealism, nostalgia, or exaggeration, suggesting that something is viewed through a tender or romanticized lens rather than a strictly practical one. The adverb is useful because it can describe both personal emotion and a broader interpretive style. It is common in British and American English, ranging from straightforward descriptions of relationships to more literary commentary on art, history, landscapes, and memory.
adverbIn a romantic manner, especially with feelings of love, affection, or idealized sentiment. It can also describe an approach shaped by romantic ideas or a romanticized view of something.
- In a manner involving love, affection, or romantic attachment.
- With romantic ideals, sentiment, or an idealized or romanticized perspective.
"They remained romantically attached even after years apart."
"She looked at the old photograph romantically, remembering the summer they had shared."
"The novel treats the countryside romantically, portraying it as an escape from modern life."
Romantically traces back to Rome by way of medieval love stories: its roots run from Latin romanice through French romance to modern English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does romantically come from?
Romantically was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective “romantic.” “Romantic” came into English through French romantique, ultimately from Old French romance, denoting a narrative, especially one involving chivalric love. “Romance” itself developed from Latin romanice, meaning “in the Roman manner,” through Vulgar Latin and Old French, so the word’s history links the modern sense of romantic love with the language and narratives of medieval Europe.
How romantically is actually used
In everyday use, “romantically” can suggest affection or romantic attachment. In literary or analytical contexts, it may imply an idealistic, nostalgic, or intentionally romanticized treatment.
Easily confused with romantically
Romantically focuses on love or romantic ideals, whereas sentimentally emphasizes emotional feeling, sentiment, or sentimentality more generally.