amator
[aˈmaː.tɔr]masculine
In Latin, the English phrase lover is translated as amator. Wiktionary also lists amāns and amātrix.
Meaning: sexual partner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amator | [aˈmaː.tɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [aˈmaː.tor] (narrow) |
masculine |
| amāns | ||
| amātrix | feminine |
While the standard terms refer to a sexual partner, the term Dilectus is used to capture the sense of a beloved one or a cherished lover.
Which one should you use?
The form amator is the standard masculine noun for a lover, but it specifically carries a connotation of one who pursues or seeks love or pleasure. For a female lover, use amātrix. The form amāns functions as a present participle used as a noun to mean 'a person who is loving' or 'a lover'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form amāns is a present participle used as a noun, whereas amator and amātrix are standard nouns.
Did you know?
- The Latin word amator can describe someone who is not a romantic partner but a lover of a specific hobby or art, such as an 'amateur' of music.
- In Roman comedy, such as the plays of Plautus, the amator is often a stock character who is foolishly obsessed or hopelessly devoted to his pursuit.
- The root of amator traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*h₃emh₃-der', which is the deep historical origin of the concept of love in many European languages.
Examples in context
- Ille est meus amansHe is my lover
- Dilectus meus, te amo!My beloved, I love you!
- Amator meus est.He is my lover.
- Vidi amatorem in horto.I saw a lover in the garden.
Example conversation
Quintus and Lucia are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- QuintusVidistine amatorem Luciae?Have you seen Lucia's lover?
- LuciaMinime, sed scio eum hic esse.No, but I know he is here.
- QuintusAmator eius est optimus amicus meus.Her lover is my best friend.
- LuciaId nunc intellego.I understand that now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lover” translations and entries amator, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amator, CC BY-SA 4.0.
