infatuation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "infatuation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe feelings of strong admiration for or extreme preoccupation with someone or something that is often intense but short-lived. For example, "Janet had an infatuation with her fourth grade teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be far-fetched to describe the US and Britain's long-term relationship with Saudi Arabia as a love affair, although elements of romance, blind infatuation and lustful mutual gratification have never been entirely absent.

The Guardian

At the time, Hawke made no apologies for his infatuation with Bond.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, when Miller went on stage to offer praise to the author of the Atlantic City film script, John Gaure, my thoughts again turned to uninhibited infatuation with all things American.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cranach was Martin Luther's best man, and responsible for burning several supposed witches – so his infatuation with dangerous desire has a dark side.

The Guardian - Arts

In the salad days of infatuation the high levels of dopamine (the pleasure-seeking hormone) combined with the low levels of serotonin (that helps us to feel calm and relaxed) combine to create a crafty reward system that is nearly indistinguishable from all other forms of addiction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: Guns and kids: the youngest casualties of America's infatuation with firearms | Ana Marie Cox On Sunday, Codrick Beal, four, shot himself with a gun he found while staying with a family friend at a house in a northern suburb, while his mother celebrated her birthday.

The Guardian

It is not all green ants and fermented fruit (Zonfrillo has a jar-filled food lab at his home experimenting with ageing), he has teamed with a top local cattle breeder to introduce Red Devon and English Longhorn cows to combat his adopted land's infatuation with wagyu and fast-fattened Angus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the ALP's infatuation with such an obvious rat with a gold tooth stemmed from more than a desire to bask in Bond's reflected glory, though that was evidently a part.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such was my new-found infatuation that I drove to Montreuil to stock up on a few bottles.

The Guardian - Travel

If that is the case, the government's infatuation with targets may turn out to be as unhealthy as most obsessions.

The Economist

Few of his celebrated lyrics are cited, and then usually in connection with an infatuation, of which there were many.Mr Binyon's focus instead is on the minutiae of the day-to-day life of the poet, who does indeed emerge here as a rounded and complicated human being.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "infatuation" to describe a fleeting and often unreasonable attraction, differentiating it from deeper, more mature forms of love.

Common error

Avoid using "infatuation" interchangeably with genuine love. "Infatuation" is characterized by its intensity and short duration, while love involves deeper emotional connections and commitment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "infatuation" is as a noun. It refers to a state of being infatuated or the act of infatuating someone or something. Ludwig examples show it functioning as the subject or object of sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infatuation" is a noun that describes an intense, often short-lived passion or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable word in written English. It is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, denoting a neutral register. When writing about emotions, remember that "infatuation" is distinct from love, characterized by its fleeting nature and intensity. Use it to accurately portray temporary and often unreasonable attractions. Related terms include "crush", "obsession", and "fascination", each with subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crush

Represents a short-lived and often adolescent infatuation.

puppy love

Implies a youthful and innocent infatuation, typically of short duration.

calf love

Similar to puppy love, suggesting a naive and transient affection.

obsession

Suggests a more intense and potentially unhealthy level of preoccupation.

fixation

Indicates a persistent and often irrational focus on someone or something.

passion

Implies a strong and intense emotion, often romantic in nature.

ardor

Suggests a fervent and intense feeling of love or enthusiasm.

fascination

Implies a strong interest and attraction, often intellectual or aesthetic.

penchant

Suggests a strong liking or inclination towards something.

yen

Represents a strong desire or craving for something.

FAQs

How does "infatuation" differ from love?

"Infatuation" is a short-lived, intense passion, while love is a deeper, more enduring emotion involving commitment and connection.

What are some synonyms for "infatuation"?

Synonyms include "crush", "obsession", and "fascination", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "infatuation" always a negative emotion?

Not necessarily. While it can lead to irrational behavior, "infatuation" is often a harmless and even enjoyable experience, especially in its early stages.

How long does "infatuation" typically last?

Unlike love, "infatuation" is usually temporary, lasting from a few weeks to several months.