be smitten with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be smitten with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be strongly infatuated or captivated by someone or something. It can be used in various contexts, such as romantic relationships, admiration for a celebrity or object, or strong attraction towards a particular idea or belief. Example: She was completely smitten with the handsome new neighbor who had just moved in next door.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Perhaps Andras was expected to be smitten with Elisabet, but that's not what happened.

The New York Times - Books

"They seem to be smitten with his fiery lectures and are responding to the street cred he gained from his time in prison".

The New York Times

To be smitten with pain is a discipline,the priest used to say …The fire truck looked like a poor man's meat loaf sweet with ketchup and onions.

The New Yorker

Butler, also a fixture in earlier books, is a brilliant psychologist who has the bad luck to be smitten with Mallory.

The New York Times

Thus, last week's New York Post headline for an article about a woman who seemed to be smitten with the president went from "Saucy G.O.P.-er Dishes the Flirt" to "Buffalo Woman Stuns Obama with Spicy Pickup Line".

The New York Times

With the brand's recent dalliances in smart-grid management in Mountain View, Calif., and the incubator opening party, the German automaker seems to be smitten with the Silicon Valley life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Caouette was smitten with it.

MIT Technology Review

I am smitten with it.

The Times

The Pentagon is smitten with Romania.

The New York Times

She was smitten with Mr. Marshall, they said.

The New York Times

I was smitten with the Catamount.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider that "be smitten with" often refers to initial stages of affection. If you're describing a long-term relationship, other phrases might be more appropriate, such as "deeply in love".

Common error

Avoid using "be smitten with" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound too informal or emotional. Opt for phrases like "be impressed by" or "be drawn to" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be smitten with" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing a state of being strongly attracted to or infatuated with someone or something. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be smitten with" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong feeling of attraction or infatuation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, though its slightly informal tone might make it less suitable for highly formal contexts. When using the phrase, consider the nuance you want to convey, as it typically suggests an initial or somewhat superficial attraction, compared to deeper expressions of love. Be mindful of the context and formality level to ensure appropriate usage. Also there are alternatives such as "infatuated with" or "captivated by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be infatuated with

Focuses on the state of being intensely but perhaps unrealistically fond of someone.

be enamored with

Emphasizes being filled with love and delight.

fall head over heels for

Implies a more intense and sudden experience of falling in love or becoming infatuated.

lose one's heart to

A more poetic and dramatic expression of falling in love.

be captivated by

Highlights the enchanting or mesmerizing quality of the object of affection.

be taken with

Suggests being impressed or strongly attracted to someone or something.

be charmed by

Focuses on the delightful and appealing nature of the person or thing.

develop a crush on

Suggests a brief and often adolescent infatuation.

take a fancy to

Indicates a sudden liking or attraction to something or someone.

be sweet on

An informal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying someone is attracted to another person.

FAQs

How can I use "be smitten with" in a sentence?

You can use "be smitten with" to describe someone or something you are very attracted to or impressed by. For example, "She was "smitten with" the new employee's charm and wit".

What are some alternatives to "be smitten with"?

Some alternatives include "infatuated with", "captivated by", or "charmed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be smitten with" formal or informal?

"Be smitten with" is generally considered informal. It's best used in casual conversation, creative writing, or less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "impressed by" or "attracted to".

What's the difference between "be smitten with" and "fall in love with"?

"Be smitten with" suggests an initial, often sudden attraction or infatuation, while "fall in love with" implies a deeper, more developed emotional connection. The former is often fleeting, while the latter suggests a more serious and lasting relationship.