infatuation
B2Neutral to formal, predominantly used in written and spoken language concerning emotions and relationships.
Definition
Meaning
A short-lived, intense, and foolish passion for someone or something, often based on superficial attraction rather than deep knowledge or love.
A temporary state of being carried away by unreasoning passion, intense admiration, or obsessive enthusiasm, often implying a lack of sound judgment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies a transient, superficial, and often one-sided emotional state. It contrasts with 'love', which suggests depth and durability. It often carries a mildly negative connotation of irrationality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of fleeting, intense, and somewhat irrational passion in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
infatuation with [someone/something]infatuation for [someone]have an infatuationdevelop an infatuationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a passing infatuation.”
- “Blinded by infatuation.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The market's infatuation with tech stocks was short-lived.'
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and literary studies to discuss stages of romantic attraction or irrational devotion.
Everyday
Common in discussions of relationships, especially among teenagers or to describe a transient romantic interest.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He became infatuated with the girl from his maths class.
American English
- She was infatuated with the lead singer of the band.
adjective
British English
- He had an infatuated look in his eyes.
American English
- Her infatuated tweets about the celebrity were a bit much.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has an infatuation with a famous footballer.
- Her infatuation with pop music is obvious.
- It started as a teenage infatuation, but it didn't last long.
- She realised her feelings were just a passing infatuation.
- His blind infatuation with her prevented him from seeing her flaws.
- The public's infatuation with the new gadget faded after a few months.
- The critic dismissed the artist's early work as the product of an infatuation with European modernism.
- Political infatuations often give way to disillusionment when reality sets in.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FATUous person (foolish) becoming INFATUated. Infatuation is a foolish, intense crush.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFATUATION IS A DISEASE/ADDICTION (e.g., 'he's sick with infatuation', 'she's addicted to him'), INFATUATION IS BLINDNESS (e.g., 'blinded by infatuation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'любовь' (love). 'Infatuation' is closer to 'увлечение', 'влечение', or 'обожание' but with a stronger implication of foolishness. Avoid translating as 'симпатия' (which is milder).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'infatuation' (temporary, irrational) with 'admiration' (lasting, based on respect). Using it to describe a deep, mutual love. Misspelling as 'infactuation'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'infatuation'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Love is typically deep, enduring, and based on knowledge and acceptance of the other person. Infatuation is intense but short-lived, often based on idealisation and superficial attraction, and can feel obsessive.
Not always, but it often carries a connotation of foolishness or irrationality. It describes a natural, common emotional state, but one that is seen as less mature or substantial than love.
Yes. While most commonly used for people, you can have an infatuation with a hobby, a celebrity, a trend, or an idea (e.g., 'an infatuation with vintage cars').
The verb is 'infatuate', almost exclusively used in the passive participle form 'infatuated' (e.g., 'He is infatuated with her'). You rarely say 'She infatuates him.'
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