infatuate
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To inspire with a foolish, intense, and usually short-lived passion or admiration.
To cause someone to lose their clear thinking or judgment, especially in romantic or obsessive contexts; to be filled with an intense but uncritical attraction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a past participle adjective ('infatuated') or as a verb in passive constructions. The verb form is less common in active voice (e.g., 'She infatuated him' is rare). Implies a lack of rationality and often a temporary state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or literary in both regions. Can carry a mild negative connotation of foolishness or lack of judgment.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, with slightly higher occurrence in written texts (literature, journalism) than in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/become] infatuated WITH [someone/something][be/become] infatuated BY [someone/something] (less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Head over heels in love (related concept)”
- “To have a crush on (weaker, more informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The board was infatuated with the new technology, ignoring its risks.'
Academic
Used in literary, psychological, or sociological analysis of relationships and behaviour.
Everyday
Most common in discussions of romantic relationships, often with a knowing or slightly critical tone.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The glamour of the city can infatuate young newcomers.
- He was a performer whose style could infatuate a certain audience.
American English
- The charismatic leader could infatuate crowds with his speeches.
- A new trend can infatuate the public for a season.
adverb
British English
- He stared infatuatedly at the painting for hours. (Very rare)
- She followed his career infatuatedly. (Very rare)
American English
- He listened infatuatedly to her every word. (Very rare)
- The fan watched infatuatedly from the front row. (Very rare)
adjective
British English
- He was utterly infatuated with his new colleague.
- She gave an infatuated sigh while reading the love letter.
American English
- They were completely infatuated during those first few months.
- His infatuated gaze followed her across the room.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is infatuated with his new car.
- She became infatuated with a famous actor.
- Many teenagers become briefly infatuated with their teachers.
- He realised his infatuation was based more on idealisation than reality.
- The critic argued that the public was infatuated with superficial celebrity culture.
- Her infatuated state blinded her to his obvious flaws and manipulative behaviour.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN + FATUOUS (foolish). To be INFATUATED is to be IN a foolish state of love.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/ATTRACTION IS A DISEASE (causing loss of reason), LOVE IS BLINDNESS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'in love' (любить). 'Infatuate' is more specific, implying a foolish, obsessive, or temporary passion, closer to 'увлечься до беспамятства' or 'свести с ума' (in romantic sense).
- The adjective 'infatuated' is often mis-translated as просто 'влюбленный'. Use context to convey the lack of judgment.
Common Mistakes
- Using the verb in active voice incorrectly (e.g., 'She infatuates me' is unnatural). Prefer 'She makes me infatuated' or 'I am infatuated with her'.
- Confusing 'infatuated with' and 'infatuated by'. 'With' is standard for the object of infatuation.
- Misspelling as 'infactuate' or 'infantuate'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'infatuated' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a C1-level word. The adjective 'infatuated' is more common than the verb 'to infatuate'. It's used more in writing and formal speech.
'Infatuated' suggests a passionate but often irrational, obsessive, and likely temporary state. 'In love' is broader and can describe deep, lasting affection. Infatuation is often considered a preliminary or immature stage of love.
Yes. While typically romantic, you can be infatuated with an idea, a lifestyle, a celebrity, or a possession (e.g., 'infatuated with fame', 'infatuated with vintage cars').
The noun is 'infatuation' (e.g., 'a passing infatuation', 'his infatuation with jazz').