Enamored vs. Enamoured: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 28, 2024
Enamored is the American English spelling, while enamoured is the British English spelling, both meaning intensely in love or fascinated by someone or something.
Key Differences
Enamored is the preferred spelling in American English. It is used to describe a state of being deeply in love or fascinated by someone or something. For example, "He was enamored with her charm and intelligence." Enamoured is the British English spelling. It carries the same meaning and usage as the American version. For instance, "She was enamoured with the picturesque landscape."
Both terms derive from the same root and are used in the same contexts, whether describing romantic feelings or strong admiration. The difference lies purely in the regional spelling convention.
Enamored and enamoured are interchangeable in terms of meaning and pronunciation, with the only variation being the presence of the 'u' in the British form.
In written communication, using the correct spelling for your audience is essential. American readers expect "enamored," while British readers anticipate "enamoured."
Both spellings are correct, but adhering to regional preferences ensures clarity and professionalism in writing. Recognizing these differences helps in understanding and respecting language variations across English-speaking regions.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Enamored
Enamoured
Usage Region
American English
British English
Meaning
Intensely in love or fascinated
Intensely in love or fascinated
Pronunciation
/ɪˈnæmərd/
/ɪˈnæmərd/
Example Sentence
He was enamored with her charm.
She was enamoured with the view.
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Enamored and Enamoured Definitions
Enamored
Deeply in love or captivated.
He was enamored with her intelligence.
Enamoured
Filled with admiration or fascination.
He was enamoured with the historic town.
Enamored
Having a strong liking or passion.
They were enamored with Italian cuisine.
Enamoured
Having a strong liking or passion.
They were enamoured with classical music.
Enamored
Enthralled or enchanted.
The audience was enamored by the performance.
Enamoured
Enthralled or enchanted.
The crowd was enamoured by the speech.
Enamored
Filled with admiration or fascination.
She was enamored with the new gadget.
Enamoured
Deeply in love or captivated.
She was enamoured with his kindness.
Enamored
Bewitched or spellbound.
He felt enamored by the artist's work.
Enamoured
Bewitched or spellbound.
She felt enamoured by the novel's plot.
Enamored
To inspire with love; captivate
Was enamored of the beautiful dancer.
Were enamored with the charming island.
Enamoured
Alternative spelling of enamored
Enamored
In love, amorous.
She's enamored of [or with] her new boyfriend.
Enamoured
Simple past tense and past participle of enamour
Enamored
Simple past tense and past participle of enamor
Enamored
Marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness;
She was crazy about him
Gaga over the rock group's new album
He was infatuated with her
FAQs
Is there any difference in pronunciation between "enamored" and "enamoured"?
No, both are pronounced the same way: /ɪˈnæmərd/.
Which spelling should I use in American English?
Use "enamored" in American English.
What does "enamored" mean?
"Enamored" means deeply in love or fascinated by someone or something.
Can I use "enamored" in British English?
While understandable, "enamoured" is preferred in British English.
Do "enamored" and "enamoured" have different meanings?
No, they have the same meaning; the difference is in spelling.
Are there other words with similar American and British spelling variations?
Yes, words like "color/colour" and "favorite/favourite" follow similar patterns.
Does the meaning of "enamoured" change in different contexts?
No, it consistently means deeply in love or fascinated.
What does "enamoured" mean?
"Enamoured" means deeply in love or fascinated by someone or something, following British English spelling.
Which spelling should I use in British English?
Use "enamoured" in British English.
Is "enamored" used in formal writing?
Yes, "enamored" is appropriate for formal writing in American English.
Does the meaning of "enamored" change in different contexts?
No, it consistently means deeply in love or fascinated.
Can I use "enamoured" in American English?
It's better to use "enamored" in American English to align with standard conventions.
Is "enamoured" commonly used in everyday conversation?
Yes, it is used to express strong admiration or love.
Can I mix "enamored" and "enamoured" in the same document?
It's best to stick to one spelling variant to maintain consistency.
Can "enamored" and "enamoured" be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably, but it's important to match the spelling to the regional audience.
Is "enamoured" used in formal writing?
Yes, "enamoured" is suitable for formal writing in British English.
How can I remember the correct spelling for my region?
Associate "enamored" with American English (both have no 'u') and "enamoured" with British English (both have 'u').
Are there other words similar to "enamored/enamoured"?
Yes, "infatuated" and "captivated" are similar in meaning.
Are "enamored" and "enamoured" considered synonyms?
Yes, they are synonyms with different regional spellings.
Is "enamored" commonly used in everyday conversation?
Yes, it is used to express strong admiration or love.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
