Meaning: Besotted means to be completely infatuated with someone or something, often to the point of being foolish or oblivious.
Contrast Clues:
* Rationality vs. Irrationality: Being besotted implies a loss of reason and judgement. The contrast is between clear-headed thinking and being overwhelmed by emotion or infatuation.
* Objectivity vs. Subjectivity: Someone who is besotted is highly subjective in their perception. They are blinded by their feelings, unable to see things objectively.
* Awareness vs. Blindness: Being besotted implies a lack of awareness of the object of infatuation's flaws or the potential consequences of the infatuation. It contrasts with being conscious and realistic.
* Moderation vs. Excess: Besotted suggests an excessive, all-consuming infatuation, contrasting with a more balanced and controlled approach.
Example:
"She was besotted with him, completely blind to his flaws and the red flags that others saw."
In this sentence, the contrast is between the woman's blind infatuation and the objective observations of others.