What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
besotted
Example
He was besotted with her beauty and couldn't stop thinking about her. [besotted: adjective]
Example
She became besotted with him after their first date and couldn't get him out of her mind. [besotted: past participle]
infatuated
Example
He was infatuated with the new girl in school and couldn't stop staring at her. [infatuated: adjective]
Example
She became infatuated with him after their first conversation and couldn't help but daydream about him. [infatuated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infatuated is more commonly used than besotted in everyday language. Infatuated is often used to describe temporary and intense feelings of attraction, especially in romantic contexts. On the other hand, besotted is less common and tends to be used in more serious or poetic expressions of love.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between besotted and infatuated?
While besotted is associated with a more formal and poetic tone, infatuated is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.