Is infatuation the same as love?

No. Infatuation is usually faster, stronger, and less deep than love.

Is infatuation a formal word?

Yes, it is more formal than crush or fancy. It is common in writing and exams.

Can I say infatuation with a person?

Yes. You can say “infatuation with someone” or “infatuation for someone.”

What is the difference between infatuation and obsession?

Infatuation is often romantic and temporary. Obsession is more extreme and can feel unhealthy.

← Dictionary

infatuation

/ɪnˌfætʃ.uˈeɪ.ʃən/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A very strong feeling of love or liking, often sudden and not lasting. It is usually based more on appearance or excitement than on deep understanding.

Her infatuation with him lasted only a few weeks.
Teenage infatuation can feel very intense.
He mistook infatuation for real love.

Adinary Nuance

Infatuation is stronger and less stable than liking, but less deep than love. Compared with admiration, it has more emotion and less respect. Compared with obsession, it is usually softer and more romantic, not always unhealthy.

In other languages

Vietnamese: say mê
Spanish: enamoramiento
Chinese: 迷恋
Japanese: 恋の熱中
Korean: 짝사랑

Etymology

Infatuation comes from the verb infatuate, from Latin infatuare, meaning “to make foolish.” It entered English in the 16th century.

Common phrases

a teenage infatuationa brief infatuationinfatuation with someonefall into infatuation

Synonyms

crush fancy attraction adoration

Frequently asked questions

Is infatuation the same as love?: No. Infatuation is usually faster, stronger, and less deep than love.
Is infatuation a formal word?: Yes, it is more formal than crush or fancy. It is common in writing and exams.
Can I say infatuation with a person?: Yes. You can say “infatuation with someone” or “infatuation for someone.”
What is the difference between infatuation and obsession?: Infatuation is often romantic and temporary. Obsession is more extreme and can feel unhealthy.