The word "smitten" is spelled with two "t"s, despite the fact that it is pronounced with only one. This discrepancy can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. In this system, the initial "t" represents a voiceless dental plosive, while the final "t" represents a glottal stop. The glottal stop is often found in English words that end in a consonant followed by an unstressed vowel. So, while the word "smitten" may seem oddly spelled, it is actually a reflection of the intricacies of English phonology.
Smitten is an adjective that is commonly used to describe someone who is deeply or strongly affected by romantic or infatuated feelings toward another person. It signifies being completely captivated, enchanted, or enamored by someone or something. When an individual is smitten, they often find themselves unable to think about anything or anyone else, as their thoughts are consumed by a strong affectionate attraction.
This term can be used in various contexts, but it is most frequently applied in matters of the heart or romantic relationships. When an individual describes themselves as smitten, they are expressing a profound emotional connection to someone they find irresistible or alluring. This intense feeling of being smitten typically encompasses a combination of physical attraction, emotional attachment, and admiration for the person.
The word smitten evokes a sense of being struck by a metaphorical arrow or love at first sight. It suggests a sudden and overwhelming fervour, where the individual's emotions and thoughts are entangled in a web of infatuation. Being smitten often leads to a state of bliss, where one's actions and decisions may be shaped by their feelings for the person they are smitten with.
In summary, being smitten refers to experiencing a deep and powerful fascination, admiration, or love for another person or thing. It implies a state of being utterly captivated by someone, often to the point of being unable to think of anything else.
See smite.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "smitten" originated from the Old English word "smiten", which means "to strike, beat, or smite". It is related to the Middle High German term "smizen" and the Old Norse term "smīða", both of which share a similar meaning. Over time, "smitten" gradually shifted its meaning from physical striking or beating to emotional or romantic passion. Today, it typically refers to being deeply or irresistibly in love with someone.