besot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / LiteraryLiterary, archaic, formal
Quick answer
What does “besot” mean?
To make someone foolish, stupid, or unable to think clearly, especially due to infatuation or intoxication.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make someone foolish, stupid, or unable to think clearly, especially due to infatuation or intoxication.
To stupefy or dull the senses or mind; to be infatuated with someone or something to the point of irrationality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning. The term is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Often carries a slightly archaic or quaint tone. Can be used humorously or critically.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage in both regions, found more in literary texts, period dramas, or deliberate stylistic choices.
Grammar
How to Use “besot” in a Sentence
[Subject] besot [Object] (rare)[Object] be/become besotted with [Stimulus] (common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The potent mead could besot even the hardiest warrior.
- He feared the glamour would besot his senses.
American English
- Nothing should besot your judgment like that.
- The old tales speak of potions that besot the mind.
adverb
British English
- He gazed besottedly at his fiancée. (extremely rare)
- She followed him around besottedly. (extremely rare)
American English
- He stared besottedly at the vintage car. (extremely rare)
- The fans waited besottedly for a glimpse. (extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- He gave her a besotted smile from across the room.
- They were utterly besotted with their new puppy.
American English
- She was completely besotted with the lead actor.
- He had a besotted look on his face all evening.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, might appear in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Rare, used for deliberate, often humorous, effect (e.g., 'He's utterly besotted with his new granddaughter').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besot”
- Using 'besot' as a common present tense verb (*'She besots him' sounds very unnatural). Use 'besotted' as an adjective instead.
- Confusing spelling: 'besot' vs. 'beset'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'crazy about' or 'infatuated with' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered rare and literary. The adjectival form 'besotted' is more frequently encountered, though still not common in everyday speech.
Yes, when describing 'besotted with', it often carries a fond, if slightly foolish, connotation (e.g., besotted with a new baby). However, it can also be used critically to imply a lack of judgment.
They are very close synonyms. 'Besotted' often implies a more obvious, perhaps outwardly visible, state of foolish absorption and has a slightly more literary or archaic flavour. 'Infatuated' is more neutral and common.
No, its core meaning relates to being made foolish. While love/infatuation is the most common cause in modern usage, historically it could be caused by alcohol, magic, or any overpowering influence that clouds judgment.
To make someone foolish, stupid, or unable to think clearly, especially due to infatuation or intoxication.
Besot is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Besot: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) besotted as a schoolboy”
- “money-besot (archaic, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SOT (an archaic word for a drunkard) who is BEyond drunk—he's BE-SOTted, foolishly intoxicated with love or drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/INFATUATION IS AN INTOXICATING SUBSTANCE (He is drunk on love).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern usage of the word 'besot'?