Quick answer
Besotted means strongly infatuated; sometimes foolishly obsessed or, in older use, drunken. It is usually pronounced bih-SOT-id, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Besotted
Besotted describes someone or something that is strongly infatuated; sometimes foolishly obsessed or, in older use, drunken. It belongs to emotions and peculiar mind states and works best in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
emotionsmind-stateexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is besotted, it is strongly infatuated; sometimes foolishly obsessed or, in older use, drunken. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Besotted feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Besotted is generally traced to historically linked to muddled or stupefied states. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Besotted is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- He was so besotted with the puppy that he narrated its naps.
- The biographer avoids sounding besotted with her subject.
- She gave him the kind of besotted smile that answers every question.
- Fans can become besotted with a singer’s voice after one live performance.
When should you use this word?
Use besotted when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
Similar words
infatuated, enamored, smitten, obsessed
Opposite or contrasting words
indifferent, cool-headed, detached
Common questions
- What does besotted mean? Strongly infatuated; sometimes foolishly obsessed or, in older use, drunken.
- How do you pronounce besotted? It is commonly pronounced bih-SOT-id.
- Is besotted still used today? Besotted is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use besotted? Use besotted when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
- What words are similar to besotted? Similar words include infatuated, enamored, smitten, and obsessed.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.