Explanation at your level:
Infatuation means you really, really like someone or something. It is like a big crush. You think about them all the time. You are very happy when you see them. It is a very strong feeling, but it does not last forever. It is just for a short time.
When you have an infatuation, you feel very excited about a person or a new thing you found. You might want to talk about them all day long. It is a common feeling for teenagers or when you start a new hobby. It is like a 'big crush' that makes you feel very happy and a little bit nervous.
Infatuation is an intense feeling of attraction. Unlike love, which is deep and steady, infatuation is usually quick and very strong. You might feel infatuated with a new celebrity, a new friend, or even a new sport. It is a fun experience, but remember that it can make you ignore the small problems in a person's personality.
The term infatuation describes a state of intense, short-term passion. It is often used to contrast with mature love. While love is based on deep knowledge and commitment, infatuation is often based on projection or an idealized image of the other person. You might say, 'It was just a brief infatuation, not a serious relationship.'
In advanced usage, infatuation is often analyzed as a psychological state where the subject projects their own desires onto an object. It is characterized by an 'all-consuming' nature that can temporarily impair critical thinking. Literary works often use infatuation as a plot device to show a character's lack of maturity or their tendency to chase illusions rather than reality.
Etymologically, infatuation implies a 'folly' or a temporary loss of reason, a nuance that remains in sophisticated usage. It represents a liminal space between genuine affection and obsession. In philosophical or literary discourse, infatuation is often treated as a 'glamour' or a 'spell' that the subject casts upon themselves, revealing more about their own internal state than the actual qualities of the object of their desire. It is a profound, albeit fleeting, human phenomenon.
30초 단어
- Infatuation is an intense, short-term passion.
- It is often confused with love.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'foolish'.
- Use it with the preposition 'with'.
When we talk about infatuation, we are describing that whirlwind feeling of being totally swept off your feet. It is that intense, often sudden, attraction to someone or something that makes it hard to focus on anything else.
Think of it as the 'crush' phase. It is powerful and exciting, but it often happens before you really get to know the person or thing deeply. Because it is so intense, it can sometimes cloud your judgment, making you see only the best parts of the person you are infatuated with.
While it can feel like love, the key difference is that infatuation is usually short-lived. It is a spark that burns very bright and fast, whereas love is more like a steady, long-lasting flame. It is a perfectly normal human experience that most of us go through at least once in our lives!
The word infatuation comes from the Latin verb infatuare, which means 'to make a fool of.' This is a fascinating bit of history because it shows that even hundreds of years ago, people recognized that being obsessed with something could make us act a little bit silly!
The root fatuus means 'foolish' or 'silly.' So, when you are infatuated, you are essentially 'being made foolish' by your own strong feelings. The word entered English in the 17th century, evolving from the idea of being 'besotted' or 'bewitched' by someone.
It is interesting to note how the meaning has shifted slightly from a negative 'being a fool' to a more neutral, though still intense, description of romantic excitement. Languages are always changing, but the core idea—that strong emotions can override our logic—has remained consistent throughout history.
You will most often hear infatuation used in discussions about relationships or hobbies. It is a common term in literature, psychology, and casual conversation when describing a 'phase' someone is going through.
Common phrases include 'a brief infatuation' or 'a sudden infatuation.' People often say they are 'in the grip of an infatuation' or that they 'developed an infatuation' for a new hobby or a new person. It is a slightly more formal word than 'crush,' so you might hear it in a serious conversation or read it in a novel.
It is important to remember the register: it is not usually used to describe a healthy, long-term commitment. If you use it, you are usually implying that the feeling is intense but perhaps not entirely grounded in reality. It is a great word for describing that 'head-over-heels' feeling.
1. Head over heels: To be completely in love or infatuated. 'He fell head over heels for her the moment they met.'
2. Smitten with: To be suddenly struck by strong feelings of attraction. 'She was clearly smitten with her new teacher.'
3. Love-struck: Being so infatuated that you act silly or distracted. 'He was so love-struck he walked into a pole.'
4. Carried away: To become so excited you lose control. 'Don't get too carried away with your new hobby.'
5. Blind to faults: Being so infatuated you don't see the bad in someone. 'He was so infatuated he was blind to her faults.'
Infatuation is an uncountable noun in most contexts, though it can be used in the plural 'infatuations' when referring to multiple distinct instances of the feeling. It is usually preceded by 'an' or 'the'.
Pronunciation is /ˌɪnfəˈtʃueɪʃn/. The stress falls on the third syllable: in-fa-TU-a-tion. It rhymes with words like situation, foundation, and creation. Practice breaking it down: in-fa-choo-ay-shun.
You can use it with verbs like 'develop,' 'suffer from,' or 'overcome.' For example: 'She developed an infatuation with the piano.' It is a sophisticated noun that adds a layer of psychological depth to your writing or speech.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'fatuous', meaning silly.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'in', soft 'fa', clear 'choo-ay-shun'
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'tue' sound
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'tue' as 'too'
- Stressing the wrong syllable
- Dropping the 'n' at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in novels
Useful for character development
Easy to use
Clear pronunciation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
An infatuation
Preposition 'with'
Infatuated with
Countable vs Uncountable
An infatuation / The infatuation
Examples by Level
I have an infatuation with my new bike.
infatuation = strong like
Use 'an' before infatuation
She has an infatuation with that singer.
infatuation = big crush
Subject-verb agreement
It is just an infatuation.
infatuation = temporary feeling
Simple present
He has an infatuation with space.
infatuation = big interest
Preposition 'with'
Is it love or infatuation?
infatuation vs love
Question structure
My infatuation is very strong.
infatuation = feeling
Possessive pronoun
She ended her infatuation.
infatuation = finished
Past tense
I had an infatuation once.
infatuation = past memory
Past tense verb
Her infatuation with the movie star was obvious.
He grew out of his infatuation quickly.
An infatuation can be very exciting.
Don't mistake infatuation for true love.
The teenager had a sudden infatuation with painting.
Their infatuation lasted only a month.
It was a silly infatuation.
She hid her infatuation from her friends.
His infatuation with the new game was all he could talk about.
Many people experience a brief infatuation when they start a new job.
She realized her infatuation was just a phase.
The infatuation faded as they got to know each other better.
He was blinded by his infatuation.
An infatuation can be intense but not very deep.
She felt a sudden infatuation with the city.
Is it possible to turn an infatuation into love?
The director portrayed the character's infatuation with great nuance.
His infatuation with the idea of fame led him to make poor choices.
It is common to confuse infatuation with genuine emotional connection.
The novel explores the destructive nature of a young man's infatuation.
She looked back on her past infatuations with a smile.
The intense infatuation clouded his judgment completely.
He was in the grip of a powerful infatuation.
They were caught in a whirlwind of infatuation.
The protagonist's infatuation serves as a catalyst for his eventual downfall.
Critics noted that the film captures the ephemeral nature of adolescent infatuation.
His infatuation with the past prevented him from moving forward.
The psychological toll of such an intense infatuation is often underestimated.
She viewed her previous infatuation as a necessary lesson in self-discovery.
The narrative arc traces the transition from blind infatuation to mature understanding.
His infatuation was less about the person and more about the fantasy.
The obsession grew from a simple infatuation into something darker.
The author masterfully dissects the anatomy of infatuation in this classic work.
His infatuation was a projection of his own unfulfilled ambitions.
The term 'infatuation' carries a weight of folly that the characters struggle to overcome.
The play examines the liminal state between romantic infatuation and existential dread.
Her infatuation was a form of self-imposed enchantment.
Such infatuations are often the result of an idealized perception of reality.
The historical context explains the societal view of such intense infatuations.
He was trapped in a cycle of serial infatuations.
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"Head over heels"
Very much in love
They fell head over heels.
casual"Love-struck"
Acting silly due to love
He looks so love-struck.
casual"Smitten with"
Suddenly attracted to
She is smitten with him.
neutral"Carried away"
Losing control of emotions
Don't get carried away.
neutral"Blind to faults"
Ignoring bad traits
He is blind to her faults.
neutral"Caught up in"
Deeply involved in
She got caught up in the moment.
neutralEasily Confused
Both imply strong focus
Obsession is often longer-term and more intense.
His obsession with cleanliness is a disorder.
Both involve strong emotion
Passion is often seen as more positive and sustainable.
She has a passion for painting.
Both mean romantic interest
Crush is very casual.
I have a crush on him.
Both involve liking someone
Admiration is based on respect, not just attraction.
I have great admiration for her work.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + have + an + infatuation + with + object
She has an infatuation with jazz.
Subject + be + infatuated + with + object
He is infatuated with her.
It + be + just + an + infatuation
It is just an infatuation.
Subject + develop + an + infatuation + for + object
They developed an infatuation for the game.
The + infatuation + fade + over + time
The infatuation faded over time.
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
관련
How to Use It
6
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
Infatuation is a noun, not a verb.
Infatuation is short-term; love is long-term.
Double check the 'u' and 'a'.
The correct preposition is 'with'.
Infatuation implies a temporary state.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a fool wearing a heart-shaped hat.
Native Speakers
Use it when talking about a 'phase' of interest.
Cultural Insight
It's often linked to the 'honeymoon phase' in relationships.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'with'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'TU' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as a verb.
Did You Know?
It means 'to make a fool'.
Study Smart
Read romance novels to see it in action.
Writing Tip
Use it to show a character is immature.
Speaking Tip
Use it to sound more precise than 'crush'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
In-Fat-U-Action: When you are in it, you feel fat (heavy) with action/emotions.
Visual Association
A person with heart-shaped glasses looking at a star.
Word Web
챌린지
Write a sentence using 'infatuation' in your diary today.
어원
Latin
Original meaning: To make a fool of
문화적 맥락
None, generally safe.
Used often in pop culture and romance novels.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Dating
- a brief infatuation
- moving past the infatuation
- is it love or infatuation?
Hobbies
- an infatuation with a new hobby
- a passing infatuation
- my latest infatuation
Psychology
- the nature of infatuation
- infatuation vs attachment
- emotional infatuation
Literature
- a tragic infatuation
- the character's infatuation
- a sudden infatuation
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had an infatuation that didn't last?"
"Do you think infatuation is necessary for love?"
"How can you tell the difference between love and infatuation?"
"What is the most unusual infatuation you have ever had?"
"Do you think infatuation is more common in teenagers?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were infatuated with something.
Write about why infatuation is different from love.
Can infatuation be a good thing? Why or why not?
Reflect on a past 'crush' and how it feels now.
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문No, infatuation is usually short-term and less grounded than love.
Yes, you can be infatuated with hobbies, cars, or ideas.
Not necessarily, it is a normal part of human experience.
Use 'have an infatuation with' or 'be infatuated with'.
It is neutral, used in both formal and casual settings.
Yes, infatuations.
Infatuated.
in-fa-TU-a-shun.
셀프 테스트
She has an ___ with her new toy.
Infatuation fits the context of strong interest.
Which word means a short, strong crush?
Infatuation is the definition provided.
Infatuation is usually long-term.
Infatuation is typically short-lived.
Word
뜻
Matches meanings.
Correct structure is Subject-Verb-Object.
He was ___ with his new hobby.
Need the adjective form.
What is the etymological root of infatuation?
Latin 'infatuare' means to make a fool.
Infatuation can be considered a form of self-deception.
It often involves idealizing someone.
He dissects the anatomy of the infatuation.
Which word is most similar in register to infatuation?
Both are more formal or literary.
점수: /10
Summary
Infatuation is a powerful, fleeting spark that makes us feel like fools, but it is a normal part of the human journey.
- Infatuation is an intense, short-term passion.
- It is often confused with love.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'foolish'.
- Use it with the preposition 'with'.
Memory Palace
Imagine a fool wearing a heart-shaped hat.
Native Speakers
Use it when talking about a 'phase' of interest.
Cultural Insight
It's often linked to the 'honeymoon phase' in relationships.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'with'.
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emotions 관련 단어
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
