Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈmjuːz/

Definitions

• 1. To entertain or delight someone; to cause someone to laugh or enjoy themselves.
• 2. To occupy or divert someone's attention in a pleasant or enjoyable way.

Usage Examples

• "The comedian’s jokes really amuse the audience."
• "The children were amused by the magician's tricks."
• "He amused himself by solving puzzles."

Etymology

The word "amuse" comes from the French verb "amuser," meaning "to entertain" or "to divert." The French word itself is derived from the Old French "amuser" (to divert), from "a-" (a variant of "ad") and "muser" (to put in a state of idleness, from "mus," meaning "a kind of game"). The word entered English in the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Entertain
• Delight
• Humor
• Engage
• Divert

Antonyms

• Bore
• Annoy
• Disinterest
• Disturb

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /əˈmjuːz/
• In British English: /əˈmjuːz/ (same as American)
• In Hindi: /ma-no-rañ-jan kar-na/
• In French: /a-myu-zeh/

Historical Usage

The verb "amuse" first appeared in English in the late 16th century. It originally had the meaning of "to divert the mind" or "to engage in distraction," a sense still present today. Over time, its meaning broadened to include causing delight and entertainment. Early uses of the word often referred to forms of entertainment such as music, dancing, and theatrical performances, activities intended to "amuse" those involved.

Cultural Nuances

Across cultures, the idea of "amusement" is strongly connected to social interaction. In many Western cultures, amusement is often seen as an important part of social life, whether through humor, art, or entertainment. In contrast, in some Eastern cultures, amusement may have a more restrained or philosophical meaning, often associated with mental diversion or a break from daily responsibilities rather than outright pleasure.

More Information

The word "amuse" has various uses in modern language, particularly in relation to activities designed for fun, such as amusement parks, comedy shows, and entertainment media. While the meaning has evolved over time, the core idea remains rooted in the desire to engage and distract, whether for a brief moment or for longer, more immersive experiences. Today, the concept of amusement is an essential part of entertainment industries worldwide, with people seeking amusement in countless forms from social media content to video games and films.