The phrase "badly smitten" refers to a strong and sudden attraction to someone or something. The word "smitten" is spelled with a silent "t" and pronounced /ˈsmɪt(ə)n/. The "t" appears in the spelling because it was historically pronounced in Middle English, but over time it became silent in Modern English. The word "badly" means to a great or severe extent, and is pronounced /ˈbædli/. Together, they form an expression that conveys a deep and intense feeling of love, admiration or infatuation.
The expression "badly smitten" is an idiomatic phrase commonly used to convey a deep and intense emotion or infatuation towards someone or something. The term "smitten" refers to being strongly and deeply affected by a feeling or attraction, often associated with being infatuated or enchanted. However, the addition of "badly" intensifies the level of affection, implying that the person is utterly captivated, enamored, or enraptured.
Typically used in a romantic context, "badly smitten" suggests a profound emotional state where one is completely enthralled or infatuated with another person. It signifies an extreme level of attraction and desire, indicating that the individual is deeply and irrevocably smitten. The word "badly" in this phrase doesn't imply negativity but rather emphasizes the intense nature of the sentiment being described.
Moreover, "badly smitten" is not confined to only romantic relationships and can also be employed to describe an intense fascination or attachment to a particular hobby, interest, or even a place. It implies being so profoundly affected by something or someone that it dominates one's thoughts, actions, and emotions. This phrase conveys an overwhelming sense of adoration, devotion, and captivation, demonstrating the extent to which a person is spellbound or enchanted.
The term "badly smitten" is an idiomatic expression derived from older English language roots. Here is a breakdown of the etymology of each component:
1. Badly: In this context, "badly" means "strongly" or "greatly". It carries the sense of intensity or severity. The word "badly" itself comes from the Old English word "baedlīce", meaning "wickedly" or "with evil intent". Over time, its meaning evolved to include the notion of intensity or significance.
2. Smitten: The word "smitten" is the past participle of the verb "smite". In its original form, "smite" came from the Old English word "smitan", meaning "to strike" or "to hit".