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Glite Dictionary
true Romeo

true Romeo

8.2
A man who shows deep love and does dramatic, romantic things
  • noun
  • /tru ˈroʊmiˌoʊ/
translation icon : verdadero Romeo
  • Despite his reputation, Mark proved to be a true Romeo when he serenaded Emily under her window.

Examples

  • Everyone at school knew he was a true Romeo who left love notes in every locker.

  • She found her true Romeo during a summer trip to France.

  • He is a true Romeo in every sense of the word.

  • Can you believe he calls himself a true Romeo?

  • Mark proved to be a true Romeo when he serenaded Emily under her window.

  • Everyone at school knew he was a true Romeo who left romantic notes for his crush.

  • She was delighted when she met her true Romeo at the poetry reading.

Synonyms

Romeo
vstrue Romeo
160 4.8

A man who is very romantic and shows strong love for someone

is more devoted and idealistic in pursuit of lasting love
romantic
vstrue Romeo
7 4.6

A person guided more by feelings and imagination than by practical needs

shows active, devoted pursuit of love rather than general idealism
loverboy
vstrue Romeo
  • Informal
4 7.0

A young man who acts charming and shows romantic interest

emphasizes devoted, ideal pursuit of love rather than casual flirtation

Antonyms

unromantic
8 4.1

Not likely to make people feel love for each other

coldhearted
4 6.0

Showing no care or sympathy for other people

How Romantic

true Romeo
8.2
romantic
7 4.6
lover
614 1.0
suitor
48 4.4
admirer
113 2.3

Surface Forms

true Romeo singular
true Romeos plural

Morphology

true + Romeo

The meaning 'a passionate, devoted lover' is directly and predictably derived from combining 'true' (genuine) with 'Romeo' (a romantic lover); knowing both constituents enables a B1 learner to infer the phrase. Although it relies on a literary/cultural reference to Shakespeare, the composition is transparent and similar shorthand usages (e.g., calling someone a 'Romeo') exist cross-linguistically, aiding comprehension.

Etymology

True Romeo comes from the young lover Romeo in Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet'. He was famous for singing under windows and risking everything for love, so a true Romeo now means 'a passionate, devoted lover'.