amate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete / Very Low FrequencyArchaic, Literary, Poetic
Quick answer
What does “amate” mean?
to dishearten, discourage, or daunt someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to dishearten, discourage, or daunt someone.
To cast down or lower in spirits; to depress. In archaic or dialect use, can also refer to the act of subduing, taming, or physically beating down.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern distinction. The word is equally archaic and unused in both dialects.
Connotations
In historical texts, it may have been used in both regions with the same core meaning.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary speech and writing in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “amate” in a Sentence
[Subject] amates [Object] (e.g., The loss amated him).To be amated by [Agent] (e.g., She was amated by the constant failures).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The king's harsh decree did much to amate the spirits of the common folk.
- He sought not to amate his comrades with tales of the coming hardship.
American English
- The constant setbacks began to amate even the most optimistic pioneer.
- Nothing could amate her resolve, though many had tried.
adverb
British English
- [Not attested in standard use.]
American English
- [Not attested in standard use.]
adjective
British English
- [Obsolete. Use 'amated' as a participial adjective: 'The amated crowd fell silent.']
American English
- [Obsolete. Use 'amated' as a participial adjective: 'He spoke with an amated voice.']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or analyses of Early Modern English texts (e.g., Shakespeare).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amate”
- Using it as a synonym for 'amateur'.
- Using it in active modern speech where 'discourage' or 'daunt' is intended.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈæmət/ (like 'amateur' without -eur).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered obsolete or archaic. You will only encounter it in older literary works or historical texts.
'Dishearten' or 'daunt' are the closest direct synonyms in contemporary English.
No, 'amate' is solely a verb. The related noun form would be 'amazement' in its older sense of 'consternation', but this is also archaic.
For advanced learners and readers, knowing such words aids in understanding classic English literature (e.g., Shakespeare, Spenser) and enriches understanding of semantic change and word history.
to dishearten, discourage, or daunt someone.
Amate is usually archaic, literary, poetic in register.
Amate: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common modern idioms. Archaic: 'To amate the spirits of']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MATCH (amate sounds like 'a-mate'). Imagine a friend (a mate) who disappoints you so badly it 'puts out your flame' or spirit, leaving you disheartened.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW SPIRITS ARE A PHYSICAL BURDEN OR BEATING DOWN (e.g., 'The bad news amated him' metaphorically suggests a weight was placed upon his spirit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'amate' be MOST appropriate?