
Amuse
To cause someone to find something funny or entertaining; to entertain or engage pleasantly.
verbAmuse
To cause someone to find something funny or entertaining; to entertain or engage pleasantly.
verb
Imagine This
Imagine a street performer pulling clever tricks and telling witty jokes that make a bored crowd suddenly smile and laugh.
Sounds Like
uh-MYOOZ
Looks Like
a-muse (a muse) – looks like the phrase 'a muse' with an extra letter
Remember This
The noun form is amusement. Amuse is the action; amusement is the feeling or state. Be careful not to confuse with bemuse, which means to puzzle or bewilder.
Other Forms
Connect With
entertain, delight, divert, charm, humor
Note
Use with a direct object: 'amuse someone' or 'amuse oneself'. Distinguish from 'amused' (adjective) and 'amusing' (present participle/adjective).
Study Deeper
- The comedian's quick one-liners amused the audience.
- The magician's antics amused the children for an hour.
From Old French amuser, meaning to divert or entertain; from a- 'to' + muser 'to idle, dawdle' (related to 'muse').
Mnemonic: A MUSE at a show makes you SMILE. Remember that amuse means to entertain.
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Nefarious
adjectiveVery wicked; infamous
Decorous
adjectiveCharacterized by proper, tasteful, and socially appropriate conduct or dress; showing good manners and propriety.
Dissolution
nounThe act or process of dissolving a substance in a solvent, or the ending or disbanding of an organization, agreement, or structure.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
