online vocabulary.com

Bemusement - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Bemusement refers to a state of mild confusion or puzzlement, often mixed with amusement. It describes someone who is slightly bewildered but not seriously troubled by something unexpected or unclear.

bemusement

/bɪˈmjuzmənt/ /bɪˈmjuːzmənt/

Definition:

A state of confusion or puzzlement, often mixed with mild amusement.

Synonyms:

perplexity, bewilderment, puzzlement, confusion

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

clarity, understanding

Common Collocations:

look of bemusement, cause bemusement, express bemusement

Derivatives:

bemuse, bemused, bemusing

Usage Tips:

Use "bemusement" to describe mild confusion with a hint of amusement, not deep frustration or anger.

Common Phrases:

shake one's head in bemusement, regard with bemusement, smile in bemusement

Etymology:

Derived from "bemuse" (mid-18th century), combining "be-" (thoroughly) and "muse" (ponder).

Examples:

  • 1. Her bemusement was clear when she tilted her head at the odd painting.
  • 2. The teacher's joke left the class in cheerful bemusement.
  • 3. He watched the chaotic scene with quiet bemusement.
  • 4. The instructions caused more bemusement than clarity among the students.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS