Enamor vs. Enamour – What’s the Difference? In English language, even confident writers often get confused by spelling variations like Enamor and Enamour, which carry the same emotional weight and meaning, yet usage depends on regional differences, making it important for anyone aiming to write clearly and professionally. Choosing the right form can make your work look polished and intentional, whether for formal communication, academic writing, or blog content.
I recall the latest issue of Cook’s Country magazine where a quote jumped out: Americans became enamored with international cooking. This example demonstrates how enamored is used by or with, and how the passive construction of a verb like enamor can feel strange. Exploring these nuances, from simple sentences about a new car or a kid at school to a magician’s captivating performance, helps anyone come across the terms correctly. Whether describing someone deeply attracted or charmed, the thing that inflames your love is filled with feeling, and a small change in spelling doesn’t affect the meaning.
Understanding the Basics of Enamor and Enamour
Both enamor and enamour share the same fundamental meaning: to inspire love, admiration, or strong affection. However, their differences lie in spelling, regional preference, and historical usage.
- Enamor: Predominantly used in American English. Example: She was completely enamored by the beauty of the city.
- Enamour: Mainly used in British English. Example: He was enamoured with her wit and charm.
Quick comparison table:
| Feature | Enamor | Enamour |
| Region | American English | British English |
| Meaning | To inspire love or admiration | To inspire love or admiration |
| Spelling | Simplified | Traditional/British |
| Usage | Contemporary writing, media, professional contexts | Historical texts, UK publications, literature |
| Pronunciation | /ɪˈnæmər/ | /ɪˈnæmə/ or /ɪˈnæm.ər/ |
Even though the words are functionally identical, choosing the correct spelling depends largely on audience and context.
Historical Origins
The story of enamor vs. enamour begins centuries ago. Both words trace back to Latin and Old French roots.
- Latin Roots: The verb comes from in-amorare, meaning “to inflame with love” or “to inspire love.”
- Old French Influence: Over time, the term evolved into enamorer in Old French, influencing Middle English usage.
- Transition to English: By the 14th century, both spellings had emerged in English, but regional adoption created the divergence we see today.
Timeline of evolution:
| Century | Key Development |
| 14th | Middle English adopts enamour from Old French. |
| 16th | Early British texts use enamour extensively. |
| 17th | American English begins adopting simplified spelling (enamor). |
| 19th | Enamor becomes standard in US publications; enamour remains in British texts. |
The history shows that enamour is the original British spelling, while enamor reflects the modern American adaptation.
Also Read This It’s vs. Its: The Simple Rule Most Writers Still Get Wrong
American vs. British Spelling Preferences
One of the biggest sources of confusion is regional spelling. Writers often wonder: Can I use “enamor” in the UK or “enamour” in the US?
- Enamor (US English)
- Used in newspapers, novels, blogs, and professional documents across the US.
- Examples:
- She quickly became enamored with the city’s vibrant culture.
- The audience was enamored by his performance.
- Enamour (British English)
- Found in UK literature, historical texts, and some formal publications.
- Examples:
- He was enamoured with the picturesque countryside.
- Shakespeare’s characters are often enamoured with love or power.
Regional usage comparison table:
| Country | Preferred Spelling | Notes |
| USA | Enamor | Standard in all writing styles. |
| UK | Enamour | Common in literature, historical writing. Modern usage less frequent but still correct. |
| Canada | Enamor | Predominantly American spelling, though British influence exists. |
| Australia | Enamour | British-style spelling often used, especially in formal texts. |
Tip: Always match your spelling to the target audience. For American readers, enamor is safest; for British or Commonwealth audiences, enamour fits best.
Usage in Different Contexts
Both words can appear in everyday, professional, and creative writing, but context often dictates which spelling feels natural.
Everyday Usage
- Casual emails, text messages, or social posts.
- Examples:
- I’m completely enamored by this new restaurant.
- She’s enamoured with the new art exhibit.
Professional Contexts
- Business writing, formal reports, marketing copy, and presentations.
- Examples:
- Clients were enamored with the innovative product design.
- Investors quickly became enamoured with the company’s growth strategy.
Creative Writing
- Novels, short stories, poetry, and storytelling often embrace either word, depending on stylistic preference.
- Examples:
- He was enamored of the mysterious stranger who appeared at dusk.
- She was enamoured with the moonlit garden, lost in its beauty.
Key takeaway: The choice between enamor and enamour rarely changes meaning; it’s about tone, style, and audience.
Examples in Sentences
Enamor Examples (American English)
- The audience was instantly enamored with the magician’s performance.
- She became enamored of the city’s energy and vibrancy.
- He was enamored by her intelligence and charm.
Enamour Examples (British English)
- The poet was enamoured with the rolling hills of the countryside.
- Shakespeare’s Hamlet is enamoured with Ophelia in tragic ways.
- She had always been enamoured with classical music.
Notice subtle nuances: enamour often carries a more literary, old-fashioned feel, while enamor is contemporary and straightforward.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers can trip over these words. Common pitfalls include:
- Mixing regional spelling incorrectly: Using enamor in a UK-targeted article or enamour in a US blog without reason.
- Overuse in writing: Repeating the word too often can feel forced. Vary with alternatives like captivated, charmed, or smitten.
- Pronunciation errors: Mispronouncing enamour as /ɛˈnɑːmər/ instead of /ɪˈnæmə/ can be jarring in oral presentations.
Quick tips:
- Use enamor for American audiences and enamour for British audiences.
- Replace repeated occurrences with synonyms to keep writing fresh.
- When unsure, check dictionaries like Merriam-Webster (US) or Oxford English Dictionary (UK).
Tips for Correct Usage
- Mnemonic for Americans: Remember the “-or” ending like in color and favor.
- Mnemonic for Brits: Remember the “-our” ending like in colour and favour.
- Check audience: Marketing copy for a US client? Stick to enamor. UK novel excerpt? Enamour fits naturally.
- Digital tools: Grammarly, Microsoft Word Editor, and Google Docs often flag inconsistent spelling and suggest corrections.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Enamor and Enamour?
Enamor is the American English spelling, while Enamour is the British English version. Both carry the same emotional weight and meaning.
Q2: Can I use “enamored with” or “enamored by”?
Yes, in modern usage, enamored can appear with or by, though traditionally it was enamored of. The choice depends on context and regional preference.
Q3: Are Enamor and Enamour used differently in sentences?
Both verbs are usually used in a passive construction, but Enamor is more common in American English and Enamour in British English.
Q4: Does spelling affect the meaning?
No, a small change in spelling doesn’t affect the meaning, though it’s important to choose the right form for formal communication or academic writing.
Conclusion
Understanding Enamor vs. Enamour helps writers avoid confusion in English language. Both carry the same meaning and emotional weight, but usage depends on regional differences. Choosing the right form makes your work look polished, intentional, and professionally written. Whether describing someone enamored by love, a magician’s captivating performance, or simple sentences about a new car, Enamor and Enamour charm readers in almost the same way.
