Pursued someone romantically to try to win their affection and love, or tried to gain favor or support from someone important.
From Old French 'courter,' from 'court,' the residence of a king. Courting originally meant seeking favor at court, then evolved to mean romantic pursuit.
In Medieval times, courtship involved elaborate rituals like writing poetry and performing acts of bravery—getting a partner's attention took months or years, so dating advice isn't actually modern!
Courtship has asymmetric gender semantics: women are 'courted' (passive, object of pursuit), men 'court' (active, subject). This reflects historical legal coverture where women's consent was ceremonial.
Use 'courted by' or 'courting' with attention to agency; modern usage: both parties can 'court' each other or a goal.
["pursued","sought reciprocally","mutually attracted to"]
Women's courtship refusals and choice—from literary characters like Elizabeth Bennet to historical women who rejected proposals—enabled women's agency narratives.
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