bewitched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bewitched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is enchanted or under a spell, often in a figurative sense to indicate being captivated or fascinated by something. Example: "She was completely bewitched by the magician's performance, unable to look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lovey-dovey rom-com with crackerjack casting and an authentic indie setting bewitched moviegoers into believing that it had a never-ending supply of onions worth peeling.

The Guardian - Film

Until then, I was not very familiar with Cuban music, and I knew little about son, but I was bewitched by that album.

The Guardian - Music

That summer, observers were bewitched by the novelty of coalition, not asking awkward questions of policy, so this proved deft management.

The Guardian

Their management teams, bewitched by iPad apps, speak of "all platforms being equal", and of the danger in treating news channels as "some separate legacy product, like Windows 95".

The Guardian

Too often, the phrase indicates that the acquirer is suddenly bewitched by the attraction of sheer size, or, more dangerously, is getting into a field it doesn't understand properly.

The Guardian

Those of us who imagined Van Gaal's appointment might re-invigorate Robin van Persie now have to accept he will probably never be the player who bewitched Old Trafford in his first season at the club.

The Guardian - Sport

The lovely bubble of the Cain story has popped, making it harder for those bewitched by his silver tongue and folksy charm to continue to overlook his frequent gaffes and flaws, which include flip-flops on abortion and a comprehensive ignorance of the world beyond America's shores.

The Economist

It all went terribly wrong before 2000 when bewitched executives squandered money on the internet and Time Warner sold itself to AOL in one of history's worst-ever deals.

The Economist

Too many skivers are still bewitched by the old myth that there is a connection between effort and reward.

The Economist

Producers are bewitched by the rock-bottom cost of deploying a single man (usually) with a mic, just as in the music industry singer-songwriters are said to be outdoing more expensive bands.

The Economist

From 2016 sevens becomes an Olympic sport, and countries with a small player base, not to mention governments bewitched by the prospect of Olympic medals, will start to concentrate on the shorter, less complicated version of the game.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bewitched" to evoke a sense of magic or enchantment, but be mindful of its potential to sound old-fashioned or overly dramatic in some contexts. Consider whether a more modern synonym like "captivated" or "fascinated" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "bewitched" in purely negative contexts. While it can imply being tricked or misled, its primary association is with enchantment and fascination. Choose a word like "deceived" or "manipulated" for negative situations.

Linguistic Context

Bewitched functions primarily as a past participle or adjective. It describes a state of being under a spell or intensely charmed. Ludwig confirms its use in describing enchantment or fascination, as showcased in numerous examples of people being "bewitched" by various captivating elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bewitched" is a versatile term primarily used as a past participle or adjective to describe a state of enchantment or intense fascination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "enchanted" or "captivated" may offer more modern alternatives, "bewitched" retains a unique charm and evocative power. Remember to consider the connotation and context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended meaning. The most authoritative sources where you can find "bewitched" are The Economist, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enchanted

Implies a magical quality, similar to "bewitched" but often with a lighter, more whimsical connotation.

captivated

Focuses on the feeling of being held or charmed, suggesting strong interest or attraction.

entranced

Suggests a state of being in a trance, completely absorbed and often unaware of surroundings.

spellbound

Highlights the idea of being held under a magical spell, unable to move or look away.

fascinated

Emphasizes intense interest and curiosity, often with an intellectual component.

charmed

Implies a gentle and pleasing effect, often used in social contexts.

mesmerized

Suggests a hypnotic state, where attention is completely fixed on something.

enthralled

Conveys a sense of being completely captivated and delighted.

under a spell

Directly refers to the influence of magic, similar in meaning but more literal.

intrigued

Focuses on arousing curiosity or interest, often in a mysterious or puzzling way.

FAQs

How can I use "bewitched" in a sentence?

You can use "bewitched" to describe someone or something that is under a spell or completely captivated. For example, "The audience was completely bewitched by her performance."

What are some alternatives to using "bewitched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "enchanted", "captivated", or "fascinated".

Is it correct to say someone is "bewitched by" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say someone is "bewitched by" something. This phrasing indicates that the person is under the spell or intensely charmed by that thing.

What is the difference between "bewitched" and "beguiled"?

"Bewitched" typically suggests enchantment or fascination, while "beguiled" implies deception or trickery through charm. While there can be overlap, "beguiled" carries a stronger negative connotation.