The phrase "were smitten by" may seem confusing at first, but its spelling is actually quite straightforward. "Were" is pronounced /wɜr/ and is the past tense of the verb "to be." "Smitten" is pronounced /ˈsmɪtən/ and is the past participle of the verb "to smite." Together, the phrase means that a group of people were struck or affected by something, usually love or admiration. So if you find yourself saying "we were smitten by the scenery," you're simply saying that you were struck by its beauty or charm.
"were smitten by" is a phrase used to describe a strong and sudden attraction or infatuation towards someone or something. The word "smitten" in this context means being deeply affected or captivated by someone or something to the point of being infatuated or enchanted.
When someone says they were smitten by someone, it implies that they were overwhelmingly drawn to that person, often experiencing intense feelings of love, admiration, or fascination. It suggests that they were taken aback or emotionally overwhelmed, unable to resist the allure or charm of the person in question.
In a broader sense, "were smitten by" can also refer to being deeply impressed or enchanted by something that is not a person, such as a piece of art, a particular place, or an idea. It suggests an instant attraction or connection that is so profound that it has a lasting impact on the individual.
The phrase conveys a sense of being completely and thoroughly enamored, often leading to a desire to pursue a deeper relationship or engage further with the subject of their admiration. Overall, "were smitten by" characterizes a strong emotional response and an intense attraction that can be regarded as love at first sight or an immediate profound appreciation.