English Reference
adjective

amorous

adj.
US /ˈæmɝəs/ UK /ˈæməɹəs/ amorous

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    showing or feeling strong sexual attraction or romantic love towards someone.

    strongly moved by or indicative of sexual desire or romantic love; often used to describe physical advances or a general disposition.

    Simple

    The couple was seen in an amorous embrace at the back of the cinema.

    In context

    The poet's early works were filled with amorous verses dedicated to a mysterious woman he met in Venice.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    connected to the feeling of being in love or romantic relationships.

    pertaining to, produced by, or relating to love or sexual attraction.

    Simple

    He had very little experience with amorous matters before he met her.

    In context

    The biography explores the author's complicated amorous history, including three failed marriages and numerous public scandals.


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.

This entry
Origin Latin amor
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated