amuse
B1Neutral to slightly formal; commonly used in both spoken and written contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To cause someone to laugh or smile; to entertain or divert someone, especially in a light-hearted way.
To occupy someone's attention agreeably; to provide enjoyment or diversion, which may be intellectual, aesthetic, or playful, not necessarily causing overt laughter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. The emotion caused is typically milder and more mental than 'entertain' and less physical than 'delight'. Often implies a temporary, light distraction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. Slight preference for the adjectival form 'amusing' as a synonym for 'funny' in UK English.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. May carry a slightly detached, observational nuance (e.g., 'I was amused by his antics').
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] amuse [NP][NP] be amused by/with/at [NP][NP] amuse oneself by V-ingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “amuse oneself”
- “an amused spectator”
- “to one's amused surprise”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of team-building or informal presentations ('He amused the clients with a funny story').
Academic
Limited. Used in literary or cultural analysis ('The narrative amuses while it instructs').
Everyday
Common. Used to describe light entertainment, jokes, or children's activities.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The comedian's witty remarks never fail to amuse the theatre crowd.
- She amused herself by browsing through the old photo albums.
American English
- The clown's act really amused the kids at the birthday party.
- He amused himself during the layover by people-watching at the airport.
adverb
British English
- 'Is that so?' he asked, amusedly, raising an eyebrow.
American English
- She watched, amusedly, as her cat chased its own tail.
adjective
British English
- He gave an amused chuckle at the mix-up.
- She watched the puppies with an amused smile.
American English
- She shot him an amused look from across the room.
- His amused reaction to the prank defused the tension.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The funny video amused the children.
- My brother amuses me with his jokes.
- I was amused by the silly mistake in the newspaper headline.
- The tour guide tried to amuse us with stories about the city.
- The film's satirical edge amused critics more than the general audience.
- He has a dry sense of humour that amuses some and confuses others.
- The politician's attempts to deflect the question amused the seasoned journalists, who recognized the tactic immediately.
- She observed the social rituals of the gathering with a detached and quietly amused perspective.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'a muse' — a classical goddess inspiring artists. While she 'inspires', to 'amuse' is to entertain in a lighter way.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTERTAINMENT IS A DIVERSION (from a path or serious thought); LAUGHTER IS A PHYSICAL REACTION (tickled, convulsed).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'развлекать' in all contexts; 'amuse' is lighter, more about mental diversion than active entertainment.
- Do not use 'amuse' for 'удивлять' (to surprise).
- 'Amused' is not as strong as 'восхищенный' (delighted, enchanted).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'amuse' intransitively (e.g., 'The film amuses' is less common than 'The film amuses *me*').
- Confusing 'amused' (finding something funny) with 'amusing' (causing amusement).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'amuse' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Amuse' is generally lighter, often causing smiles or quiet laughter, and can be more passive. 'Entertain' implies a more active, sustained effort to hold someone's interest, often through a performance or planned activity.
Yes, in phrases like 'amused contempt' or when someone is 'amused by' another's misfortune (schadenfreude), it can imply a slightly superior, detached, or unkind attitude.
It is primarily a feeling or state (the result of being amused). The action is 'to amuse' someone. The adjective 'amused' describes the person experiencing amusement.
It means to find something to do to pass the time pleasantly. Structure: 'She amused herself by reading.' / 'The children need toys to amuse themselves.'