Dear Geist,

Which is correct: “I am fascinated by fireworks” or “I am fascinated with fireworks”?

Dear Kate,

The occasional self-proclaimed authority delves into the fine points of connotation: “fascinated by” referring to the bewitching of the fascinatee, and “fascinated with” referring to an ongoing conscious obsession, more like a dance. These gradations are—well, fascinating to ponder, but feel free to use the preposition that feels natural.