enamour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, literary/formal)Formal, literary. More common in written than spoken English.
Quick answer
What does “enamour” mean?
To inspire with strong romantic love, attraction, or fascination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To inspire with strong romantic love, attraction, or fascination.
To be captivated by an idea, a place, or a thing, not just a person; to be charmed or enchanted by something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'enamour' (UK) vs. 'enamor' (US). The grammatical patterns are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more archaic and poetic feel in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in both, but the UK spelling retains the 'u' in line with other -our words (colour, flavour).
Grammar
How to Use “enamour” in a Sentence
to be enamoured of [noun/phrase]to be enamoured with [noun/phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enamour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- From the moment they met, she was utterly enamoured of his wit.
- The critic remained enamoured with the director's early work.
American English
- He became completely enamored with the idea of living off the grid.
- She was still enamored of her childhood hometown.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her enamouringly, as if she were the only person in the room.
- This usage is extremely rare and archaic.
American English
- She spoke enamoredly about her travels. (This form is virtually obsolete.)
adjective
British English
- His enamoured gaze never left her.
- The enamoured public flocked to her concerts.
American English
- She gave him an enamored smile.
- The book received enamored reviews from critics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'The board was enamoured with the new design concept.'
Academic
Used in literary or historical analysis: 'The poet was enamoured of classical forms.'
Everyday
Uncommon. 'Love' or 'really like' are used instead.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enamour”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enamour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enamour”
- Using it actively: 'He enamoured her.' (Incorrect).
- Using the wrong preposition: 'enamoured by' is non-standard.
- Misspelling in US context: 'enamour' (should be 'enamor').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never in modern English. It is used almost exclusively in the passive: 'to be/become enamoured of/with'.
They are largely interchangeable. Some style guides suggest 'of' is slightly more traditional, but both are widely accepted.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal/literary word. In everyday speech, 'love', 'really like', 'be crazy about', or 'be captivated by' are more common.
'Amour' (from French) is a noun meaning 'a love affair' or 'lover'. 'Enamour' is a verb (used passively) meaning 'to fill with love'. The prefix 'en-' means 'to cause to be in a state'.
To inspire with strong romantic love, attraction, or fascination.
Enamour is usually formal, literary. more common in written than spoken english. in register.
Enamour: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈnæmə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈnæmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] head over heels (in love)”
- “[to be] under someone's spell”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ENAMOUR sounds like 'in armour' – imagine a knight in armour who is completely in love with his lady, captivated by her.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE IS A MAGICAL SPELL (enchanted, captivated). LOVE IS POSSESSION (to be *with* or *of* something).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural and correct usage of 'enamour'?