Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈæmərəs/

Definitions

• (Adjective) Showing, feeling, or relating to romantic love or desire.
• (Noun) A person who is amorous, particularly one who is infatuated or loves passionately.

Usage Examples

• He gave her an amorous look across the room.
• The film's amorous tone captured the essence of forbidden love.
• She was known as an amorous soul, always falling in love.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "amor," meaning "love," and the suffix "-ous," meaning "full of." The term has been used since the 14th century to describe things related to love or desire.

Synonyms

• Romantic
• Affectionate
• Loving
• Passionate
• Fond

Antonyms

• Aloof
• Indifferent
• Cold
• Detached

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "amorous" is relatively consistent across regions, though accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds. In British English, it is often pronounced with a more pronounced 'a' sound as in /ˈæmərəs/, while American English may soften the 'r' sound.

Historical Usage

The word "amorous" has been used in literature and poetry to describe passionate love or flirtation since the Middle Ages. The term appeared prominently in Romantic-era literature, where it was often used to describe the emotions of the protagonists.

Cultural Nuances

The term "amorous" can carry a playful, flirtatious connotation in modern usage, especially in popular media. However, in historical and literary contexts, it was often associated with deep, earnest love, sometimes leading to dramatic, tragic outcomes.

More Information

"Amorous" is a term that has evolved from a literal sense of love to encompass a broader spectrum of emotional attachment, often marked by desire or infatuation. In art and literature, amorous themes have been central to exploring human relationships, from fleeting infatuations to lifelong bonds.