he was smitten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was smitten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is deeply infatuated or in love with someone else. Example: "From the moment he saw her smile, he was smitten and couldn't stop thinking about her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he was smitten.

The New York Times

He was smitten.

The New York Times

Real peaks: he was smitten.

The New Yorker

Still, he was smitten.

The New York Times

"He was smitten," Ms. Rosenfeld said.

The New York Times - Style

"He was smitten by this book".

The New York Times

He was smitten when he first laid eyes on her.

The Washington Post

By the end of the night, he was smitten.

The New Yorker

He was smitten by the idea of exploring these other areas through the documentary form.

The New York Times

For his part he was smitten and wanted to marry her.

The New York Times - Arts

As for Mr. Bucklin, he was smitten by her worldly poise and unaffected humility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "he was smitten" to convey a strong, immediate attraction or infatuation. It's effective for describing first impressions or sudden feelings of love.

Common error

While "he was smitten" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced language to describe attraction or admiration in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was smitten" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of being deeply infatuated or charmed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, exemplified in numerous contexts ranging from personal encounters to artistic appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was smitten" is a widely recognized and accepted way to describe someone experiencing a sudden and intense attraction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting comfortably within various contexts, particularly news and media. It conveys an immediate and powerful infatuation, making it a vivid choice for describing initial romantic feelings or strong admiration. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more nuanced language in strictly formal settings. Considering alternatives like "he was captivated" or "he was charmed" can provide a more sophisticated tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was smitten with

Similar in meaning, but explicitly indicates what he is infatuated with.

he was captivated

Emphasizes the enchanting or mesmerizing effect someone or something has on him.

he was infatuated

Highlights a strong, often short-lived, passion or admiration.

he was charmed

Suggests a pleasing or delightful influence that attracts him.

he fell for her

A more casual and direct way of saying he developed romantic feelings.

he was entranced

Implies a state of wonder or fascination, as if under a spell.

he took a shine to her

An informal expression indicating a liking or fondness developed quickly.

he was beguiled

Suggests being deceived or charmed in a subtle way.

he was enthralled

Highlights the captivating and absorbing nature of the subject.

he was bewitched

Implies a magical or irresistible attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "he was smitten" in a sentence?

You can use "he was smitten" to describe someone who is instantly and deeply attracted to another person or thing. For example, "From the moment he saw her, he was smitten."

What's a more formal alternative to "he was smitten"?

If you need a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "he was captivated" or "he was charmed". These options convey a similar sense of attraction but with a more sophisticated nuance.

Is it correct to say "he was smitten by her" or "he was smitten with her"?

Both "he was smitten by her" and "he was smitten with her" are grammatically correct and commonly used, although "he was smitten with her" might be slightly more prevalent in contemporary usage.

What does it mean when someone says "he was smitten"?

When someone says "he was smitten", it means he experienced a sudden and intense feeling of love or admiration. It implies a strong initial attraction.