woo
WOO
/wuː/
To seek the favor, affection, or love of someone, typically with a view to marriage.
Wooing is an active, intentional process of persuasion, often involving gifts, compliments, or romantic gestures.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English 'wogian,' which meant to bend or incline. The idea was to 'bend' someone's will or heart toward your own.
Word relationships
- court: 'Court' is equally formal but implies a more social, structured process.
- pursue: 'Pursue' is more modern and can apply to goals as well as people.
- reject: To refuse to accept or consider someone's advances.
Commonly confused with
- flirt: Flirting is casual and playful; wooing is serious and goal-oriented (usually marriage).
Word family
- wooer (noun): A person who woos; a suitor.
Collocations
- woo a bride
- woo the public
- woo voters
Example sentences
- "The knight sought to woo the lady with songs and tales of his bravery." A historical romance novel.
- "I cannot woo in festival terms." Shakespearean drama. (William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing)
Memory hook
Think of a suitor saying 'Woo-hoo!' when he finally wins her over. Woo: You 'win' them over.
When not to use
Avoid in casual, modern dating contexts unless you are being intentionally humorous or poetic.
Fun facts
- While usually romantic, 'woo' is frequently used in business today to describe companies trying to attract investors or customers.
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