Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day — "besotted"

Episode Date: March 11, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" focuses on the word "besotted." Host Peter Sokolowski explores both its definitions—being deeply infatuated and being drunk—while delving into the word’s origins, usage, and nuanced evolution through history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

What Does "Besotted" Mean? (00:35)

• Definition: "Besotted" is an adjective describing someone so in love they are unable to think clearly; utterly infatuated.
• Alternate Meaning: It can also function as a synonym for "drunk."

Example in Context (00:52)

• Usage in a Sentence:
  "Catherine, the tour guide, is endearingly besotted with her adopted country and spoke about it with the reverence of a convert."
  — (00:52)

• The example emphasizes the infatuated sense rather than intoxication.

Related Words & Historical Roots (01:11)

• "Sot":
  • Defined as a person who tends to over-imbibe (habitual drunkard).
  • Usage dates back to the late 16th century.
  • In Old English, it referred more generally to a fool.
• Verb "sot":
  • Once meant "to cause to appear foolish."
  • Later acquired the sense of "to drink alcohol excessively."
• "Besotted":
  • First appeared as an adjective in the late 16th century from the verb "besot."
  • Originally meant "stupefied by love" (figurative intoxication).
• The host notes: "The still current sense of besotted, meaning drunk, didn’t show up until the early 19th century." (01:52)

Infatuation vs. Intoxication (02:10)

• "Evidence of the infatuated sense of besotted also predates the tipple-related senses... suggesting perhaps that love may be the strongest intoxicant of all."
  — Peter Sokolowski (02:20)

• The emotional aspect of the word precedes its alcohol-related meaning, hinting at the powerful, overwhelming nature of love.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the dual meaning of besotted:
  "Someone described as besotted is so in love that they are unable to think clearly. They are utterly infatuated. Besotted can also be used as a synonym of the word drunk."
  —Peter Sokolowski (00:36)

• On the word’s evolution:
  "The earliest known recorded use of the related adjective besotted in the late 16th century... described a state of figurative intoxication. One besotted was stupefied by love rather than liquor."
  —Peter Sokolowski (01:40)

• On the power of love:
  "Evidence of the infatuated sense of besotted also predates the tipple related senses... suggesting perhaps that love may be the strongest intoxicant of all…"
  —Peter Sokolowski (02:20)

Important Timestamps

• 00:35 — Definition and alternate usage of "besotted."
• 00:52 — Sentence example highlighting infatuation.
• 01:11 — Etymology: "sot" and "besotted."
• 01:52 — "Besotted" as "drunk" emerges in the 19th century.
• 02:10-02:20 — The preeminence of love’s intoxicating effect.

Episode Summary

In concise and approachable language, Peter Sokolowski unpacks the word "besotted," discussing how it captures both overwhelming love and the state of drunkenness. Through historical journey and example, the episode illustrates how the term’s earliest associations were with love-induced folly, only later shifting toward alcohol. Listeners are left to ponder the host's playful suggestion that love may, indeed, be the strongest intoxicant of all.