eros

IPA/ˈɪərɒs/
KK[ˈɪrɑs]IPA/ˈɪrɑːs/

eros — noun

1. in ancient Greek stories, the god who makes people and gods fall in love with on

1.名詞B2
釋義

in ancient Greek stories, the god who makes people and gods fall in love with one another, often shown as a winged boy carrying a bow and arrows

例句

In Greek mythology, Eros is the mischievous son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

The museum's new exhibit features a marble statue of Eros from the fifth century BCE.

pattern: statue/painting/fresco of Eros

同義詞
  • Cupid

    the Roman equivalent of Eros; more commonly known in modern Western culture

  • Amor

    the Latin name for Cupid, used in poetry and Renaissance art

用法筆記

In Greek mythology, Eros is a specific named god (capitalised), while the Roman equivalent is Cupid. The name is always capitalised when referring to the deity.

常見錯誤

❌I bought a painting of eros for my living room.
✅I bought a painting of Eros for my living room.
💡The god's name must always be capitalised.

2. a powerful feeling of physical and romantic attraction toward another person, of

2.名詞C1
釋義

a powerful feeling of physical and romantic attraction toward another person, often connected with the natural urge to be close to someone in a sexual way

例句

The psychologist explained that human behaviour is partly driven by eros and the need for connection.

pattern: driven by / motivated by eros

Plato's symposium discusses whether eros is simply physical desire or a path to higher beauty.

同義詞
  • desire

    much more common and informal; can refer to any strong wanting, not just sexual

  • lust

    stronger physical focus, sometimes seen as crude; less neutral than eros

  • passion

    covers both sexual feeling and intense enthusiasm for an activity

  • attraction

    more general; does not necessarily imply a sexual component

反義詞
  • aversion

    a strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness

  • indifference

    lack of interest or feeling; neither positive nor negative

用法筆記

More formal and literary than 'desire' or 'lust'. Common in psychology, philosophy, and literary criticism. Not used in everyday conversation about romantic feelings.

常見錯誤

❌I felt eros for the new barista.
✅I felt attracted to the new barista.
💡Eros is a technical or literary term; it sounds unnatural in casual dating contexts.