woo
/wuː/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To try to get someone's love or support, especially in a romantic way. It can also mean to try hard to win approval or loyalty.
- He wooed her with flowers and kind messages.
- The party is wooing young voters.
- She was wooed by his charm.
Adinary Nuance
Woo is more formal and often more old-fashioned than flirt or court. It suggests a planned effort to win love, support, or approval. In business or politics, it often means trying to attract someone carefully and persuasively.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cua
- Spanish
- cortejar
- Chinese
- 追求
- Japanese
- 口説く
- Korean
- 구애하다
Etymology
Old English had the verb "wōgian," meaning to court or seek favor. The modern word has been used in English since Middle English.
Common phrases
woo someone with flowerswoo public supportwoo voterswoo a customer
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is woo romantic or business-like?
- It can be both. In romance, it means trying to win someone's love. In business or politics, it means trying to gain support.
- Is woo formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and sometimes old-fashioned. In everyday speech, people often say flirt, date, or try to win over instead.
- What is the difference between woo and flirt?
- Flirt is more casual and playful. Woo suggests a stronger, more serious attempt to win someone over.