enamor
C1/C2 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)Formal, literary, slightly old-fashioned.
Definition
Meaning
To cause someone to be filled with love or strong admiration; to charm, captivate, or infatuate.
To be inspired with a deep, often romantic or passionate, fondness for something (e.g., an idea, a place, a way of life).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the passive voice (e.g., "be/become enamored of/with"). Implies a deep, often uncritical or all-consuming attraction. Connotations can be positive (charming) or slightly negative (infatuated, unrealistic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK prefers "enamour", US "enamor". Usage is largely the same, though "enamour" is rarer in modern UK English.
Connotations
Slightly more common and slightly less formal in American English than in British English.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. More likely found in writing (literature, journalism) than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] enamor [Object] (rare, active)[Subject] be/become enamored of/with [Object] (common, passive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; the word itself carries an idiomatic weight.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in PR/marketing: 'The CEO is enamored with the new branding concept.'
Academic
Found in literary/cultural criticism: 'The poet was enamored of classical forms.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Used for emphasis: 'She's completely enamored with her new puppy.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Her grace and wit could enamour even the sternest critic.
- Few things enamour him more than a well-kept garden.
American English
- The candidate's bold vision enamored a generation of young voters.
- He had a talent for enamoring audiences with his stories.
adverb
British English
- He gazed enamouredly at the painting.
- This form is virtually unused and sounds archaic.
American English
- She spoke enamoredly of her travels.
- This form is extremely rare and not recommended for learners.
adjective
British English
- The enamoured couple strolled through the park.
- He gave her an enamoured look.
American English
- An enamored fan waited hours for an autograph.
- She listened with an enamored expression.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is enamored with his new bicycle.
- She became completely enamored with the city during her visit.
- The child was enamored of the colourful fireworks.
- Despite initial scepticism, the committee grew enamored of the innovative proposal.
- He remains enamored with the romantic ideal of life in the countryside.
- The philosopher was enamored of Stoic principles, which profoundly influenced his work.
- Critics argue that the public has become naively enamored with technological solutions to complex social problems.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EN + AMOR (Spanish/Latin for 'love') = to put someone IN LOVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE IS A MAGICAL FORCE (enchant, bewitch, charm).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с "влюбиться" (to fall in love). "Enamor" часто пассивно и более формально/литературно. Более точный перевод — "очаровывать(ся)", "быть пленённым".
Common Mistakes
- Using the active voice incorrectly (*'He enamored her').
- Using the wrong preposition (*'enamored by' – less standard; prefer 'of' or 'with').
- Confusing with 'enameling' (coating with enamel).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'enamor' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Fall in love' is a neutral, common phrase for developing romantic feelings. 'Enamor' (usually in the passive: 'be enamored of/with') is more formal/literary and emphasizes being charmed, captivated, or infatuated, often (but not exclusively) in a romantic context. It can also apply to ideas or things.
Both are used. Traditionally, 'enamored of' was preferred, but 'enamored with' is now very common, especially in American English. Both are considered acceptable.
Yes, but it is rare and formal (e.g., 'Her performance enamored the critics'). For learners, the passive construction ('The critics were enamored with her performance') is far more common and recommended.
It is usually positive, meaning 'to charm' or 'delight.' However, it can carry a slight negative nuance of being *unreasonably* infatuated or obsessed, as in 'He's so enamored with the idea that he ignores the practical problems.'