enamor

Meaning

1. 1verbtransitive

   To make someone feel delighted attraction, deep affection, or strong admiration toward a person or thing.

   Grammar: Takes an object, but usually appears in the passive: she was enamored with the city, not 'the city enamored her'.

   Patterns

   • be enamored of someone
   • be enamored with something
   • something enamors someone

   The young pianist was enamored of her teacher's calm and patient style.

   He quickly became enamored with the idea of living by the sea.

   Her quick wit enamored everyone at the dinner table.

Word forms

Common combinations

be enamored with

The students were enamored with the new robotics lab.

be enamored of

She was never enamored of big parties.

completely enamored

After one visit, he was completely enamored.

become enamored

Critics became enamored with the film's quiet humor.

not particularly enamored

I'm not particularly enamored with the new menu.

Synonyms and how they differ

captivate

Captivate puts the focus on the thing that charms you, while enamor usually describes the state of the person who is charmed.

charm

Charm is lighter and more everyday; enamor suggests a stronger, more lasting attachment.

infatuate

Infatuate implies a foolish or short-lived passion, whereas enamor can describe a sincere and reasonable admiration.

enchant

Enchant suggests a magical, spellbound delight, while enamor stresses affection or love for something.

Opposites

Word family

enamored adjective

feeling great affection or admiration for something

enamoring adjective

causing delighted affection

amorous adjective

showing or feeling romantic love

amour noun

a love affair, often secret

Commonly confused: enamor or enamel?

Practice

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