The spelling of "infatuated" can be a bit tricky for those who are not familiar with its pronunciation. This word is pronounced as /ɪnˈfætʃəweɪtɪd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "nyoo" sound before the "f" is written as "in" in the spelling. The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "a" sound followed by a "ch" sound. The double "t" in the middle of the word represents the stress on the second syllable. Overall, the spelling of "infatuated" matches its pronunciation closely.
Infatuated is an adjective that describes an intense and often short-lived passion or attraction someone feels towards another person or something they are fascinated with. It is commonly used to describe a state of being completely absorbed and obsessed with someone or something to the point of being irrational or impractical.
Someone who is infatuated may experience a heightened sense of excitement, desire, and admiration, often idealizing the subject of their infatuation. They may have intense feelings of longing and may believe that their infatuation is reciprocated, even without concrete evidence.
Infatuation is characterized by a sense of exhilaration and euphoria that captivates an individual's thoughts and emotions, making them oblivious to any flaws or negative aspects associated with the object of their infatuation. This can lead to impulsive and irrational behavior, as well as a temporary loss of objectivity and rational judgment.
However, unlike love, infatuation is often superficial and lacking in depth. It tends to be based predominantly on physical attraction or a perceived idealized image rather than a deep emotional connection or unconditional affection.
In summary, to be infatuated means to be overwhelmingly smitten and fixated on someone or something, often to an excessive and irrational extent, without necessarily having a genuine emotional or lasting bond.
The word "infatuated" derives from the Latin verb "infatuare", which means "to make a fool of" or "to inspire with foolish passion". This verb is composed of the prefix "in-" meaning "in", and the adjective "fatuus" meaning "foolish" or "silly". Over time, the word evolved into "infatuatus" in Medieval Latin, and later "infatuated" in English during the 17th century. It ultimately refers to an intense or irrational passion or admiration towards someone or something.