Enamor vs. Enamour – The Complete Guide to Correct Usage

The English language often presents spelling variations that can confuse even confident writers, and Enamor vs. Enamour is a perfect example. Both words carry the same emotional weight and meaning, yet their usage depends largely on regional spelling differences. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone aiming to write clearly, professionally, and correctly. Whether you’re working on academic writing, blog content, or formal communication, choosing the right spelling can make your work look polished and intentional.

At their core, both terms mean to fill someone with love or admiration, often deeply and passionately. However, Enamor is the preferred spelling in American English, while Enamour is commonly used in British English and other regions that follow UK spelling conventions. This difference mirrors other well-known variations like “color vs. colour” or “favorite vs. favourite.”

In this guide, we’ll explore:

Origins of both words
Historical and literary usage
Everyday, professional, and creative writing examples
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Quick reference tables for fast learning

By the end, you’ll never confuse enamor and enamour again.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into history and literature, let’s define these words clearly.

Enamor (verb) – to inspire love or admiration; primarily American English.
Example: I am completely enamored with this new novel.

Enamour (verb) – same meaning; primarily British English.
Example: She was enamoured of the charming countryside.

Quick Tip: A simple trick to remember:

Enamor → used in America
Enamour → used in the United Kingdom

Though the spellings differ, they are pronounced the same way, usually /ɪˈnæmər/.

The Origins and Evolution of the Words

Historical Roots

Both enamor and enamour trace back to Latin. The word comes from in + amor, literally meaning “in love.” Early English texts adopted this term in slightly altered forms as enamouren during Middle English (14th–15th century).

By the 16th century, the word was widely used in English literature, often to describe romantic attraction or deep admiration. Shakespeare, for example, employed similar forms to express love, though spelling conventions were inconsistent.

Language Evolution

English spelling wasn’t standardized until the 18th century. Before dictionaries became common, words like enamour and enamor could appear interchangeably, even in the same text.

Middle English: enamouren
Early Modern English: enamour or enamor
Modern English: standardized according to region

Over time, American and British English developed different spelling norms. American writers, influenced by Noah Webster’s dictionary, adopted enamor, simplifying British spellings. Meanwhile, the UK retained enamour in traditional and literary contexts.

American vs British Preferences

Feature	Enamor	Enamour
Region	American English	British English
Meaning	To fill with love or admiration	Same meaning
Common Contexts	Emails, business, literature, academic writing	Literature, formal UK publications
Pronunciation	/ɪˈnæmər/	/ɪˈnæmər/

Fact: Modern dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster list enamor as the primary spelling, whereas the Oxford English Dictionary lists enamour for UK usage.

Regional Differences in Usage

Today, you’ll see enamor dominating American texts and online content. Enamour remains more common in the UK, especially in literary and historical works.

Example from American media:

The audience was enamored by her performance on stage. (New York Times, 2022)

Example from British literature:

He was enamoured of the rolling hills and quiet villages of Yorkshire. (The Guardian, 2021)

Observation:
Even in British English, some modern publications adopt the American spelling, reflecting globalization and online writing trends.

Usage in Literature and Formal Writing

Enamor in Texts

American authors often favor enamor in novels, poetry, and essays. Classic examples include:

The Great Gatsby – admiration and fascination expressed through character interactions.
Contemporary American novels and magazines also prefer enamor, as it aligns with modern American spelling standards.

Why it works: Readers in the US instantly recognize the word and its correct meaning without being distracted by non-standard spelling.

Enamour in Texts

British writers often retain enamour to reflect formality or literary elegance. Examples:

Jane Austen’s novels frequently used variants of enamour/enamoured to describe attraction.
Modern UK newspapers and literature, such as The Times or The Guardian, use enamour in formal pieces.

Literary Insight: Authors may choose enamour to evoke tradition, history, or a poetic tone, giving text a sense of classical refinement.

Practical Examples in Everyday Writing

Everyday Conversation

You might encounter enamor in casual messages or online posts:

I’m totally enamored with this new coffee shop downtown.
She became enamoured of the local art scene while visiting London.

Common Mistakes:

Mixing the two spellings in the same text
Using enamour in American English casual writing where enamor is expected

Professional and Academic Contexts

Using the right word in professional writing is crucial:

Business emails: We are enamored with your proposal.
Academic writing: The study was enamoured by the historical significance of the data.

Tip: Stick to your audience’s region. US audiences expect enamor, UK audiences expect enamour.

Creative Writing

Writers can use both forms strategically:

Enamor creates smooth readability for American readers
Enamour adds a classical or formal tone for British readers

Example in a novel:

American edition: He was enamored by her wit and charm.
British edition: He was enamoured of her wit and charm.

Using the right version preserves the tone and immersion.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Spelling Mix-ups: Many writers confuse the two forms, even in professional texts.
Pronunciation Confusion: Both are pronounced the same, but some learners stress the wrong syllable.
Overgeneralization: Assuming one spelling fits all contexts. Regional awareness matters.
Incorrect verb form usage: Enamored/enamoured with is correct; enamoured of is more traditional in British English.

Pro Tip: Always check your audience’s expectations. Consistency is more important than personal preference.

Quick Reference Guide

Feature	Enamor	Enamour	Notes
Region	US	UK	Audience awareness matters
Meaning	To be in love with or inspired by	Same meaning	Use interchangeably in meaning, not spelling
Literary Usage	Modern American texts	Classic and formal British texts	Maintains tone
Common Collocations	Enamored with, Enamored by	Enamoured of, Enamoured by	Match collocation to region
Example Sentence	I am enamored with this idea.	She was enamoured of the serene landscape.	Correct form improves clarity

Memory Tip: Think “amor” = America, “amour” = UK.

Conclusion

In the debate of Enamor vs. Enamour, the difference is not about meaning but about spelling preferences in English. Both words express the same idea—to be filled with love, admiration, or deep affection. The key distinction lies in regional language usage. Enamor is the standard choice in American English, while Enamour is favored in British English and countries that follow UK conventions.

Understanding this difference helps writers maintain spelling consistency, improve writing accuracy, and tailor content for the right audience. Whether you’re creating SEO content, writing a novel, or preparing formal writing, selecting the correct spelling ensures clarity and professionalism. By recognizing how English spelling variations work, you can avoid confusion and write with confidence. In short, choose the version that matches your audience, and you’ll always be correct.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between enamor and enamour?

There is no difference in meaning. The only difference is regional spelling—enamor is used in American English, while enamour appears in British English.