Enamor vs. Enamour — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
Enamor and enamour are spelling variants; "enamor" is preferred in American English, while "enamour" is used in British English.
Difference Between Enamor and Enamour
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Key Differences
Enamor is commonly used in American English to express the feeling of being filled with love or admiration, whereas enamour follows the same usage but is the preferred spelling in British English.
Enamor appears in American publications and writings, maintaining a consistent spelling in line with American English norms, while enamour is more likely to be found in texts from the UK, reflecting the spelling preferences of British English.
Enamor often simplifies spelling by dropping the 'u', which is typical in American English adaptations of words that originally had French or Latin origins, on the other hand, enamour retains the original 'u', common in British English which often preserves more of the original forms.
Enamor might be encountered less frequently in global English contexts due to the dominance of American media and software which use American spelling, whereas enamour might appear more in academic or literary contexts, particularly in Commonwealth countries.
In digital communication and software, spellcheck programs are often set to American English by default, which can influence users to choose enamor, whereas enamour might appear with a spellcheck warning unless the language setting is adjusted to British English.
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Spelling
American English
British English
Usage Context
American publications, media
British publications, media
Spelling Variation
Omits 'u'
Includes 'u'
Commonality in Texts
Less common globally
More common in Commonwealth
Influence by Digital Tools
Influenced by American software
May require language setting change
Compare with Definitions
Enamor
To charm or captivate someone.
His eloquence enamored the audience.
Enamour
To charm or captivate someone.
Her singing enamoured the whole crowd.
Enamor
To inflame with love.
She was quickly enamored by the new city's vibrant culture.
Enamour
To inflame with love.
The artist was enamoured by the landscapes she discovered abroad.
Enamor
To attract or fascinate.
The novel's intricate plot enamored a wide readership.
Enamour
To fill with love and admiration.
He was enamoured by the beauty of the English countryside.
Enamor
To fill with love and admiration.
The prince was enamored by the villager's honesty.
Enamour
To cause to be loved.
His generous actions enamoured him to the local community.
Enamor
To cause to be loved.
Her kindness enamored her to her colleagues.
Enamour
To attract or fascinate.
The mystery series enamoured viewers across the nation.
Enamor
To inspire with love; captivate
Was enamored of the beautiful dancer.
Were enamored with the charming island.
Enamour
Be filled with love for
It is not difficult to see why Edward is enamoured of her
Enamor
(mostly in the passive, followed by "of" or "with") To cause to be in love.
Enamour
Variant of enamor.
Enamor
(mostly in the passive) To captivate.
Enamour
Standard spelling of enamor
Enamor
To inflame with love; to charm; to captivate; - with of, or with, before the person or thing; as, to be enamored with a lady; to be enamored of books or science.
Passionately enamored of this shadow of a dream.
Enamour
Attract; cause to be enamored;
She captured all the men's hearts
Enamor
Attract; cause to be enamored;
She captured all the men's hearts
Common Curiosities
Can "enamor" and "enamour" be used in formal writing?
Yes, both forms are acceptable in formal writing, depending on the regional spelling norms.
How can I remember which spelling to use between "enamor" and "enamour"?
Remember that "enamour" contains a 'u', like "colour" and "favour," which are also British English spellings.
What type of word is "enamor/enamour"?
Both "enamor" and "enamour" are verbs.
Are there any synonyms for enamor/enamour?
Yes, synonyms include charm, captivate, bewitch, and enthrall.
Is "enamor" or "enamour" more popular globally?
"Enamour" may be more recognized globally due to the widespread use of British English in many countries.
Do enamor and enamour have similar etymological origins?
Yes, both words derive from the Old French word "enamourer," meaning to inspire with love.
What part of speech is typically associated with "enamor/enamour"?
"Enamor" and "enamour" are typically used as transitive verbs.
Can "enamor/enamour" be used in negative contexts?
While typically positive, they can be used in negative contexts to indicate unwanted or overwhelming affection.
Can "enamor" and "enamour" be used in the passive voice?
Yes, both can be used in passive constructions, e.g., "She was enamored/enamoured by his charm."
Is the usage of "enamor" or "enamour" increasing in modern language?
Usage patterns are relatively stable, with no significant increase or decrease.
How do dictionaries typically list these words?
Dictionaries list "enamor" and "enamour" as regional variants of the same word, often noting the preferred geographical usage for each.
What is the noun form of "enamor/enamour"?
The noun form is "enamorment" or "enamourment," though these are rarely used.
Can "enamor/enamour" be used metaphorically?
Yes, these verbs can be used metaphorically to describe a deep fascination or attraction to non-human entities, like nature or art.
Are there any cultural differences in the use of "enamor" vs. "enamour"?
Cultural preferences for spelling may reflect broader linguistic influences, with British English favoring "enamour" and American English favoring "enamor."
Is there a difference in the usage of "enamor" and "enamour" in literary works?
Literary usage often mirrors regional spelling preferences; thus, American authors might use "enamor," while British authors prefer "enamour."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
