amused

American  

[uh-myoozd] / əˈmyuzd /

adjective

1. pleasurably entertained, occupied, or diverted.

2. displaying amusement.

   an amused expression on her face.

3. aroused to mirth.

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Other Word Forms

• amusedly adverb
• unamused adjective
• well-amused adjective

Etymology

Origin of amused

First recorded in 1590–1600; amuse + -ed ² ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does amused compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bemused vs. amused

Example Sentences

“I could have been at the beach, but it’s fine,” she says, amused, looking out the nearby windows.

From Los Angeles Times

He was similarly amused by stories of people approaching the other filmmaker to tell him, “Oh, Mr. Ford, we just loved ‘Red River.’”

From The Wall Street Journal

Hanne had not been amused by the frugality that characterized our 18 months in New York, a city then and now where some spending money makes a big difference in the quality of life.

From Barron's

Nevertheless, we’ve both been amused over the years at how long the confusion has persisted, not only among strangers but also among people who have known us for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal

The article included Nick’s “amused but firm” aside: “I never liked him saying that. It’s just a rhyme, arbitrary and ridiculous.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• entertained