Word
amorous
US/ˈæmɝəs/
UK/ˈæməɹəs/
Definitions
01showing sexual or romantic desire
C1 · Advanced Formal · Literary
adj. showing or feeling strong sexual attraction or romantic love towards someone.
adj. strongly moved by or indicative of sexual desire or romantic love; often used to describe physical advances or a general disposition.
“The couple was seen in an amorous embrace at the back of the cinema.”
“The poet's early works were filled with amorous verses dedicated to a mysterious woman he met in Venice.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02relating to love
C1 · Advanced Formal · Literary
adj. connected to the feeling of being in love or romantic relationships.
adj. pertaining to, produced by, or relating to love or sexual attraction.
“He had very little experience with amorous matters before he met her.”
“The biography explores the author's complicated amorous history, including three failed marriages and numerous public scandals.”
Real-World Examples
“Surrounded by amorous scenes and opulent paintings of fruit and flowers, you might expect porcelain to feel cold and austere.” Etymology
From Middle English amorous, amerous (14th century), from Old French amoros, amoreus, from Vulgar Latin *amōrōsus, from Latin amor (“love”), related to amāre (“to love”). Compare French amoureux (“in love”). Doublet of amoroso and amoureux.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/amorous