Expert: Maria - 10/14/2006

Question
Why is romance and romantic associated with Rome?
And do they mean ancient Rome or some later Rome- or a little of both Romes?

Thank you  

Answer
Hello,

Both “Romance”, as a noun/ verb/adjective, and “Romantic”, as an adjective, have to do with  ancient Rome only because of their etymology.

In fact both “Romance” and “Romantic” derive from the Latin adverb “romanice”  in the expression “romanice loqui” meaning “to speak the Roman language”, i.e. the vulgar languages of Latin origin like Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish, while “barbarice loqui” meant “to speak the non-Latin (barbarian)languages of the invaders".

The English terms “Romance”/ “Romantic” derive in fact from Latin through Old French  after  the Norman Conquest of the England in 1066.

As for the uses of the English words “Romance/ Romantic”, here they are:

1-“Romance” as an adjective.
-“The Romance languages”, i.e. any of the languages that developed from Latin, including Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish.

2-“Romance” as a noun.
- 'A long medieval narrative in prose or verse that tells of the adventures and heroic exploits of chivalric heroes'.This genre was developed in the context of the aristocratic courts where courtly love was very important.

Therefore “Romance” can mean also:

- 'A love affair'.
-'Ardent emotional attachment or involvement between people; love'.
-'A strong, sometimes short-lived attachment, fascination, or enthusiasm for something'.
-'A mysterious or fascinating quality or appeal, as of something adventurous, heroic, or strangely beautiful'.

3-“Romance” as a verb.
-'To invent, write, or tell romances'.
-'To think or behave in a romantic manner'.
-'To make love to; court or woo'.
-'To have a love affair with'.


4-“Romantic”.
-'characteristic of romance, literary form, usually characterized by its treatment of chivalry, that came into being in France in the mid-12th century'.
-'Given to thoughts or feelings of romance. Sentimental'.
-'Displaying, expressive of, or conducive to love'.
-'Imaginative but impractical; visionary'.
-'Not based on fact; imaginary or fictitious'.

Hope all is clear enough.
Have a nice day.
Maria