amuse
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈmjuːz/US/əˈmjuːz/
to entertain, to make someone laugh or smile; to occupy or distract someone's attention pleasantly
Example Sentences
The clown's antics never failed to amuse the children at the birthday party.
She likes to amuse herself by reading novels in her free time.
The magician's tricks were designed to amuse and surprise the audience.
They hired a comedian to amuse the guests during the evening.
He tried to amuse his friends with funny stories and jokes.
The movie was intended to amuse rather than to provoke deep thought.
To amuse the crowd, the band played an upbeat and lively set.
She finds gardening to be a relaxing and amusing hobby.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To entertain or bring delight, often sparking smiles or laughter.“Amuse” is a verb used when you want to describe causing another person enjoyment, laughter, or curiosity. In everyday conversation, you might say, “I tried to amuse the children with silly jokes,” emphasizing that your goal is to hold their attention in a fun manner. You can also use it more generally: “The magician’s tricks amuse the crowd,” spotlighting the sense of collective delight that arises from engaging performances.A key point to remember is context. In some scenarios, “amuse” simply means to provide light entertainment. In other, more intellectual contexts, “amuse” can suggest piquing someone’s interest—perhaps with brainteasers, challenges, or witty banter that prompts them to think. The unifying aspect is the element of pleasure or diversion, whether it’s laughter, curiosity, or satisfaction.Grammatically, you can use “amuse” in a range of tenses: “I amuse,” “I amused,” “I am amusing,” or “I have amused.” Make sure the usage reflects who or what is creating enjoyment. For instance, “The clown amused the birthday guests,” keeps the clown as the subject providing the entertainment.In formal or professional settings, “amuse” can be employed in a polished way: “We hope this program will amuse and inform attendees, blending educational content with entertaining elements.” This usage helps clarify that the focus is not purely serious, but rather a mix of instruction and fun. Conversely, if you’re drafting something more casual—like a short story or blog post—“amuse” can capture a playful tone: “Her goofy impressions always amuse anyone around her.”If you’re describing how something amuses you personally, you might say, “I find puzzles immensely amusing,” or, “This comedian amuses me because of her quirky storytelling.” Such phrasing underscores that your interest or enjoyment has been captured. In creative writing, “amuse” can depict how characters experience humor: “He conjured a joke meant to amuse his traveling companion, easing their tense journey.”Ultimately, “amuse” is a dynamic verb that emphasizes delight, entertainment, and pleasure. Whether you’re reflecting on a comedic moment or hoping to captivate an audience, using “amuse” positions your subject as the source of an enjoyable or mentally stimulating experience. It implies a positive effect on the listener or viewer, and it’s versatile enough for everything from everyday chatter to formal presentations or marketing copy. By applying it precisely, you can highlight the spark of joy, interest, or laughter that lifts moods and engages minds.
Alternatives
Depending on the tone and depth you wish to convey, a range of alternatives can capture nuances similar to “amuse.” For instance, “entertain” is a close synonym that places emphasis on holding someone’s attention in an enjoyable manner—often used in contexts like shows, games, or events. If you want to highlight the stirring of curiosity as well as fun, “intrigue” might suit better, as it suggests provoking interest or fascination. If the goal is to produce outright laughter, “delight” and “tickle” can be effective alternatives, albeit in slightly different ways. “Delight” centers on providing deep pleasure or satisfaction, while “tickle” has a more playful connotation and often denotes causing giggles or mild amusement. Words like “engage” or “captivate” can also serve well when you wish to underscore that someone’s full attention is being held. “Engage” might be used for interactive situations, while “captivate” hints at a stronger hold on interest, often through charm or allure.Sometimes, “charm” fits if you’re aiming to show how one’s personal qualities fascinate or enchant others, rather than mere entertainment. “Divert” can be used when you’re focusing on steering someone’s mind away from boredom or worry; you “divert” them from seriousness by offering a more pleasant pastime. Each of these synonyms spotlights a slightly different dimension of enjoyment—some more playful, others more intellectual or enchanting. By tailoring your word choice, you clarify whether you’re causing laughter, satisfaction, fascination, or simply providing relief from monotony.In more formal contexts, “engross” can imply capturing total attention, while “enliven” suggests adding excitement or energy to a situation. Ultimately, picking the right alternative helps reflect the exact kind of emotional or mental impact you aim to convey. While “amuse” generally implies laughter or pleasurable interest, these alternatives highlight unique shades of entertainment, curiosity, or delight, allowing you to refine your language and precisely match your intent.
Writing
In writing, “amuse” underscores moments of levity, humor, or delight. Whether you are constructing a lively scene in fiction or discussing audience engagement strategies in a formal document, “amuse” signals the presence of positive entertainment. When composing a narrative, you might show characters amusing each other through witty banter or playful actions. These small touches add warmth and make your characters more relatable. For instance, a quick exchange of jokes between friends can lighten a tense storyline, offering your readers a breather. Well-placed amusement humanizes characters, reflecting how humor naturally seeps into real-life conversations.If you’re writing a persuasive or informational piece—like a business plan or marketing proposal—strategically mentioning “amuse” can illuminate how an event or product provides value beyond mere utility. Perhaps your proposal suggests a training session that is not only informational but also aims to amuse participants. By weaving in that concept, you demonstrate an understanding of audience engagement—showing that learning or marketing can be pleasurable, not just functional. To keep your writing balanced, avoid overusing “amuse” or its synonyms. While it can be tempting to depict constant laughter or fascination, realistic pacing often requires a blend of emotions. Inserting a comedic moment after a serious discussion can feel refreshing for your readers, but too many attempts to amuse might overshadow your main points. Use “amuse” selectively to highlight bright spots, ensuring it retains its impact.Moreover, consider how you place “amuse” within your sentence structure. You can position it toward the start for emphasis—“Amusing the crowd took center stage,”—or place it within the main clause—“We designed the game to amuse participants through playful challenges.” Either way, variety in phrasing can keep your writing dynamic. By treating “amuse” as a well-chosen spice rather than a staple, you reveal the appealing dimension of humor, positivity, and interest that supports your narrative or argument.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, “amuse” usually suggests lightheartedness. Friends might casually remark, “That new comedy show really amused me,” as a simple way to express they had a good time. The word can slip into comments about everyday events: “It amuses me how my cat reacts to the laser pointer.” In such examples, you’re merely noting something entertaining or endearing.You might also encounter “amuse” in self-description: “I’m easily amused,” signaling that it doesn’t take much to spark your laughter or intrigue. Alternatively, someone might say, “My younger cousin always finds ways to amuse herself,” focusing on self-entertainment. These uses carry a breezy connotation—no high-stakes scenarios, just small instances of fun or diversion.When you do aim for a more impactful meaning—like describing an activity that captivates a group for hours—throw in a few details: “He amused everyone at the barbecue with hilarious stories from his travels.” The emphasis remains on light-hearted fun and shared enjoyment. Online, “amuse” shows up in social media statuses or quick texts, usually capturing mild entertainment, such as funny TikTok videos or comedic memes. People often share amusing content to brighten their day or prompt laughter among friends. If you’re discussing something that truly lifts spirits or leads to a memorable, laughter-filled moment, “amuse” can convey that joy. Regardless of tone—serious or silly—“amuse” in casual settings keeps the conversation upbeat and affirms how easily humor can unify everyday experiences.
Etymology
The word “amuse” traces back to Old French “amuser,” which combined the prefix “a-” (meaning “to”) with “muser,” connoting “to ponder” or “to stare fixedly.” Over time, the sense of “amuse” evolved from causing someone to pause in wonder, or to occupy their attention, into the modern notion of providing pleasurable diversion. By the 16th and 17th centuries, “amuse” in English increasingly referred to entertaining someone, especially by diverting them from routine or worry. In its earlier forms, “amuse” did not always imply humor. Rather, it could mean to astonish someone to the point they momentarily stopped what they were doing—almost like a mild, pleasant distraction. Only later did the idea of humor and delight overshadow that aspect of surprise. This shift in usage highlights how language adapts as cultural attitudes toward entertainment, leisure, and humor change. In the 18th and 19th centuries, “amuse” was often used in the context of leisurely pastimes, especially among nobility or upper classes with time for pursuits like theatre, parlors, and salons. Over the years, the term democratized, so now “amuse” applies to virtually any scenario where laughter or entertainment arises. From videos that amuse viewers on social media to comedic sketches that amuse live audiences, the modern usage underscores how amusement connects people through shared levity. Today, the versatility of “amuse” remains strong, as it can blend connotations of light entertainment, thoughtful diversion, and genuine cheer. The journey of this word—from wonder and astonishment to humor and delight—parallels society’s evolving relationship with recreation. People no longer only seek amusement to pass idle hours; they also appreciate how humor can break tension, foster friendships, and lighten daily life.
