Distinguishing Amused from Bemused

Amused vs Bemused

Sometimes the English language can be rather confusing, particularly when it comes to words that sound similar. This type of confusion is common not only for language learners but also for native speakers. Many words exist that appear similar in nature but have very different meanings when used in different contexts. Amused and bemused are two such words that seem very similar yet are quite different when it comes to their usage.

What is Amused?

Amuse is a term derived from the verb “to amuse,” which means to give pleasure or to entertain. It can also imply something of interest. The term “amused” means to find something funny, pleasurable, or entertaining. When amused, a person is given to smile or laughter. For example:

He was amused by the antics of his dog.

The above sentence implies that the person mentioned found the antics of his dog to be pleasurable. He might have been smiling or laughing to himself.

She was not amused by the turn of events.

The above sentence hints at an individual’s displeasure at a certain turn of events.

What is Bemused?

The verb “bemuse” is used to imply confusion and bewilderment. It distracts and absorbs the attention of people, often leaving individuals wondering. It can also be used to imply feelings of wry or tolerant amusement. For example:

The manager looked bemused by his sudden decision to quit.

The above sentence implies the manager’s bewilderment at the sudden turn of events.

He looked bemused when she suddenly blurted out the truth about her disposition.

The above sentence could imply that the person, while being confused by her sudden outburst, may also have been wryly amused.

Key Takeaways

• Amused means to be entertained, to find something entertaining or pleasurable.
• Bemused means to be bewildered, distracted, confused, or to be surprised.
• Bemused can also imply a state of bewilderment along with a wry sense of amusement.