ENGLISH
REFERENCE

smitten

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈsmɪtən// UK //smˈɪtən// smit·ten

adj. suddenly feeling very attracted to someone or something. It is like being 'hit' by a strong feeling of love or liking.

adj. deeply affected by a sudden feeling of attraction, love, or infatuation. Often used predicatively after a linking verb and followed by the preposition 'with'.


SIMPLE

He was completely smitten with his new puppy.

CONTEXTUAL

From the moment they met at the conference, it was clear that he was smitten with her intelligence and wit.

COMPLEX

Though usually cynical about modern art, she found herself utterly smitten by the vibrant textures and bold colors of the local gallery's latest exhibition.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English smiten, from Old English smiten, ġesmiten, from Proto-Germanic smitanaz, past participle of Proto-Germanic smītaną (“to hurl; fling”), equivalent to smite + -en (past participle ending).

Usage

Typically follows a linking verb like 'be', 'become', or 'seem' and takes the preposition 'with' or 'by'.

Pitfall

He is smitten of herHe is smitten with herWhile 'of' is used with 'fond', 'smitten' almost always takes 'with' or 'by'.

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