amorous
AM-er-us
/ˈæm.ər.əs/
Showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire or romantic love.
Amorous is more intense than 'loving' and often has a physical or passionate connotation.
The story behind the word. Directly from the Latin 'amor.' It entered English through Old French, maintaining its connection to the Roman god of love, Amor (also known as Cupid).
Word relationships
- passionate: 'Passionate' is more common and can apply to hobbies; 'amorous' is strictly romantic/sexual.
- ardent: 'Ardent' implies a burning intensity of feeling.
- platonic: A relationship that is purely friendly and not romantic.
Commonly confused with
- amiable: 'Amiable' means friendly and pleasant; 'amorous' means romantic and passionate.
Word family
- amorously (adverb): In a way that shows romantic desire.
Collocations
- amorous advances
- amorous glances
- amorous intentions
Example sentences
- "He sent her an amorous poem that left no doubt about his feelings." Describing a romantic letter.
- "The amorous bird of night." A famous literary line. (John Milton, Paradise Lost)
Memory hook
'Amorous' sounds like 'Amor'—the god of love. Amorous: Full of 'Amor' (love).
When not to use
Can sound overly formal or even slightly clinical if used in everyday conversation.
Fun facts
- In legal history, 'amorous' was sometimes used in 'amorous adventures' to describe scandalous affairs.
Explore more words
passionate, ardor, paramour, enamored, affectionate, fervent
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