Amorous: meaning, definitions and examples

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amorous

[ˈamərəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

romantic relationship

Showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire.

Synonyms

affectionate, loving, passionate, romantic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amorous	This word is best used to describe someone who is strongly moved by love or desire, particularly in a sensual context. It often implies a more physical attraction. Their amorous advances were hard to ignore. The poem had an amorous tone, filled with longing and desire.
romantic	Use this for situations involving idealistic or poetic expressions of love. It often implies gestures or feelings that are sentimental and idealized. They enjoyed a romantic dinner by candlelight. Her romantic dreams always involved idyllic settings and happy endings.
passionate	Ideal for describing intense or powerful emotions. Often associated with romantic or sexual feelings, but can also refer to ardent enthusiasm for non-romantic subjects. They shared a passionate kiss under the moonlight. He is passionate about environmental conservation.
affectionate	Use this word when describing someone who shows fondness or tenderness, usually in a gentle and caring manner. It's suitable for both romantic relationships and platonic ones. She gave him an affectionate hug before saying goodbye. The cat curled up in its owner's lap, enjoying the affectionate petting.
loving	Best for describing a deep, caring, and enduring emotional attachment. It's appropriate for long-term relationships, family bonds, and friendships. They have a loving marriage that has lasted over 30 years. She wrote a loving letter to her parents, expressing her gratitude.

Examples of usage

He was amorous towards her at the party.
An amorous look passed between them.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

literature or art

Relating to or showing love, especially sexual love.

Synonyms

amative, amatory, erotic, sensual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amorous	Typically used to describe feelings of romantic love or affection, often in a passionate or intense way. They shared an amorous glance across the crowded room. He wrote amorous letters to his beloved while he was away.
erotic	Used to describe things related to sexual desire or excitement, often more explicit and with a clear focus on physical intimacy. This term can have a negative connotation in some contexts depending on cultural norms. The film contained several erotic scenes that were not suitable for younger audiences. He was known for his erotic art, which often caused controversy.
sensual	Describes something that appeals to or excites the senses, particularly touch, taste, and smell. It often relates to physical pleasure and can be used both positively and negatively. The sensual aroma of the flowers filled the room. Their dance was a deeply sensual experience, captivating everyone who watched.
amatory	Often used in literary or academic contexts to discuss themes related to love and romance, particularly in art, literature, or history. The novel explores the amatory adventures of its protagonist. Her amatory poetry was famous for its vivid portrayal of romantic love.
amative	A less common term, used in more formal or literary contexts to describe feelings or behaviors related to love and affection. The poet's amative verses captured the essence of a heartfelt love. Their amative connection was evident in the way they looked at each other.

Examples of usage

The painting depicted an amorous scene.
The novel was filled with amorous descriptions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'amor', meaning 'love', highlighting its roots in affection.
Amorous has been used in the English language since the late 14th century to describe love-related feelings.
The suffix '-ous' signifies 'full of', so it literally means 'full of love'.

Literature

Amorous characters are common in romantic literature, often depicted as passionate lovers chasing after their beloved.
From Shakespeare to modern novels, the theme of amorous love plays a central role in storytelling.
Notable works like 'Pride and Prejudice' feature amorous relationships that drive the plot and character development.

Pop Culture

Many romantic films showcase amorous themes, using music and visuals to evoke emotions of love.
Songs often depict amorous feelings, with lyrics expressing deep affection and longing.
Valentine's Day celebrations in many cultures emphasize the amorous expressions of love between partners.

Psychology

Psychologists believe that experiencing amorous love can activate feelings of happiness and even physical health benefits.
Romantic connections are linked to dopamine release in the brain, often making people feel excited and euphoric.
Studies suggest that the sensation of amorous love can foster strong bonds between partners, promoting relationship stability.

Translations

Translations of the word "amorous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amoroso

🇮🇳 प्रेमपूर्ण

🇩🇪 liebesvoll

🇮🇩 cinta

🇺🇦 любовний

🇵🇱 miłosny

🇯🇵 愛情のある

🇫🇷 amoureux

🇪🇸 amoroso

🇹🇷 aşk dolu

🇰🇷 사랑의

🇸🇦 عاطفي

🇨🇿 milostný

🇸🇰 milostný

🇨🇳 多情的

🇸🇮 ljubezenski

🇮🇸 ástúðlegur

🇰🇿 махаббатты

🇬🇪 სიყვარულიანი

🇦🇿 sevgi dolu

🇲🇽 amoroso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,051, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18048 befall
18049 duplicating
18050 annulus
18051 amorous
18052 thatched
18053 childlike
18054 pent
...