Enamored

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪˈnæməɹd/

Definitions

  1. Having a deep affection or love for someone or something | Being captivated or charmed by a particular person or idea | Experiencing strong feelings of fondness and admiration towards someone or something
  2. Feeling a strong romantic attachment or passion for someone or something
  3. Experiencing an intense fascination or infatuation with a particular person, idea, or object

Etymology: The adjective describing someone deeply in love or captivated by something traces its roots back to the verb that means "to inspire with love." This verb emerged in English around the 15th century, borrowed from the Old French "enamourer," which itself derives from the Latin "in-" meaning "in" or "into" and "amor," meaning "love." Thus, the original sense was quite literal—being put into love or made to feel love. Over time, the verb evolved into its past participle form, which came to be used adjectivally to describe a person who has fallen under the spell of affection or admiration. The shift from a verb to an adjective reflects a broader trend in English where past participles often become descriptors of states or qualities. The prefix "en-" here functions as a causative element, turning the noun "amor" into an action—causing love to happen. The pronunciation, with the stress on the second syllable and the soft "d" ending, has remained relatively stable. While the Latin root "amor" connects it to other love-related words like "amorous" and "paramour," the prefix sets it apart by emphasizing the process of becoming involved emotionally rather than the state of love itself. By the early modern period, the term was firmly established in English literary and conversational use, often appearing in romantic poetry and prose to convey the powerful and sometimes sudden onset of affection. Its somewhat formal tone has persisted, making it a favored choice in more elevated or poetic contexts.

Synonyms: in love, infatuated, captivated, enchanted

Antonyms: disenchanted, repulsed, disgusted