Meaning & use
enamored
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Liking or loving someone or something very much, often in a way that feels exciting.
Grammar: Used after a linking verb: be, become, seem. It is not used before a noun.
Patterns
- be enamored of someone
- be enamored with something
- become enamored of something
She became completely enamored of the city after her first visit.
He is enamored with his new car and washes it every weekend.
The audience was enamored of the young singer's voice.
adjectivenot comparable
Very interested in or attracted to an idea, activity, or plan.
Grammar: Often used with 'with' or 'of' and an abstract noun, such as an idea or a plan.
Patterns
- be enamored of an idea
- be enamored with a plan
The committee was not enamored of the idea of raising taxes.
She is enamored with the plan to open a small bakery.
Common combinations
- enamored of
- He was enamored of her from the moment they met.
- enamored with
- They are enamored with the new house.
- become enamored of
- She became enamored of the idea of moving abroad.
- completely enamored
- He is completely enamored with his new job.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fond
- Fond is gentler and often used for a mild liking, while enamored suggests a stronger, more excited feeling.
- infatuated
- Infatuated often suggests a temporary, irrational attraction, whereas enamored can be more lasting.
Opposites
Word family
- enamor verb
- To cause someone to feel love or strong liking.
- enamoredness noun
- The state of being enamored; rarely used.
Commonly confused: enamored or enamored of/with?
enamored vs enamored of/with
Learners sometimes use 'enamored by', but the standard prepositions are 'of' and 'with'.
Practice
She is completely enamored ___ her new puppy.
Choose one answer.
'Enamored with' is the common pattern in American English. 'By' is sometimes heard but is less standard; 'for' and 'at' do not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “enamored”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.