Vocabulary/ B2 Vocabulary lessons and / Relationships – B2 English Vocabulary
Relationships
Learn essential English vocabulary to describe romantic attraction, friendship dynamics, breakups, and interpersonal connections.
About This Lesson
In this lesson, you’ll learn vocabulary for describing romantic feelings, dating, friendships, conflicts, and relationship changes. These terms are vital for conversations about love, social life, and personal connections.
Relationship Vocabulary (B1+ Level)
Infographic showing key expressions: fancy, flirt, split up, hit it off, look up to, etc.
Upper-Intermediate Vocabulary: Relationships
Essential vocabulary for describing attraction, dating, friendship, conflict, and emotional connections.
Fancy someone
To be attracted to them in a romantic way.
It was obvious that Joe really fancied Cara.
Turn someone on
This other person feels physically attracted to them.
His bright blue eyes really turn me on.
Chat someone up
You start a conversation with them in a friendly way because you are attracted to them (usually someone you don’t know well).
The man walked over to Lisa and started to chat her up.
Flirt with someone
You behave playfully as if you were attracted to each other.
It’s obvious that Ann and Greg like each other; they spent the whole night flirting.
Fall for someone
You have strong romantic feelings for them very quickly.
It was obvious that Mike was falling for her; he didn’t take his eyes off her all evening.
Fall head over heels for somebody
You fall madly in love with them very quickly.
John fell head over heels for Mary the first time he met her.
Go on a date with someone
You meet them because you have or want to have a romantic relationship.
The last time we went on a date, he took me to a romantic Italian restaurant.
Be seeing someone
You are in a romantic relationship with them and are not dating anyone else.
Harry and Ann have been seeing each other for years.
Two-time someone
To have a romantic relationship without your partner knowing.
Lara was devastated when she found out her boyfriend had been two-timing her.
Split up with someone
You end a romantic relationship with them.
Nobody could believe that Tim and Nora had split up.
Dump someone
To end a relationship with them in a sudden or unkind way.
After Kevin dumped her, Nora cried herself to sleep every night.
Drift apart
You gradually lose interest or affection towards one another.
After Tom moved away, we started to drift apart.
Make up with someone
You become friendly again after a disagreement.
Al and Sara had an argument last week, but they made up two days later.
Worship someone
You respect and admire them (a god or respected person).
Many citizens worshipped the charismatic leader.
Idolise someone
You admire them excessively, often in an obsessive way.
Sam idolises his older cousin and copies everything he does.
Look up to someone
You admire them (usually an older person).
You should be nicer to your little brother; he really looks up to you.
Go back a period of time
They have known each other for that time (e.g., years, 20 years).
We met when we were in primary school, so our friendship goes back years. Samuel and I go back over twenty years.
Hit it off with someone
You like them and become friends immediately.
Fred and Anna really hit it off; they didn’t stop talking all night.
Get along with someone
You have a friendly and harmonious relationship with them.
Despite their differences, Sarah and Tom surprisingly get along with each other very well.
Have it in for somebody
You are determined to make life difficult for them.
I think the teacher has it in for me; she’s always criticising my work.
Don’t see eye to eye with someone
You have very different opinions.
My dad is very old-fashioned, and we just don’t see eye to eye.
Have a lot in common with someone
You have similar interests or circumstances.
Lina and Toby get on well because they have a lot in common.
Have ups and downs
Their relationship goes through good and bad patches.
Like any married couple, Sue and I have our ups and downs.
Keep someone at bay
You prevent them from getting closer to you or affecting you.
After the disastrous end of her relationship, Val kept most men at bay.