bemuse

IPA/bɪˈmjuːz/
KK[bɪmjˈuz]IPA/bɪˈmjuːz/

bemuse — verb

  • bemusepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • bemuseshe / she / it
  • bemusedpast simple
  • bemusing-ing form

1. to leave someone unsure what is happening or how to react because something seem

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to leave someone unsure what is happening or how to react because something seems strange.

Example

Elena looked bemused when the waiter brought soup for breakfast.

look bemused when + strange event

Christopher was bemused by the note taped to his bicycle.

be bemused by + surprising thing

Common collocations
  • look bemused
  • sound bemused
  • bemused expression
  • bemused by the question
Synonyms
  • puzzled

    close everyday word that stresses not understanding what you are seeing or hearing

  • confused

    broader and can describe stronger or more general lack of understanding

  • bewildered

    stronger than bemused and suggests much greater uncertainty

Grammar Patterns

bemuse + someone

be bemused by + something

look/seem/sound + bemused

Usage Note

Most often appears in passive or adjective-like patterns such as 'be bemused by' or 'look bemused'. It suggests mild puzzlement, not deep panic or total mental confusion.

Common Mistakes

I was bemused by the joke.
I was amused by the joke.
'bemused' means puzzled, not entertained.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

For this sense, bemuse sits between puzzle, confuse, bewilder, and amuse. Puzzle often suggests that someone is trying to work out a clue, a result, or a strange detail. Confuse is broader and can describe anything that makes ideas unclear, from homework to directions. Bewilder is stronger than bemuse and often suggests complete uncertainty or mental overload. Bemuse is lighter and often shows in a person's face or voice when something odd or slightly absurd happens. Amuse is different again: if you are amused, you enjoy it; if you are bemused, you are not sure what to make of it. A bemused smile may include surprise without real laughter.

puzzle ↗confuse ↗bewilder ↗amuse ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • bemused expression
  • bemused grin

Adverbs

  • slightly bemused
  • quietly bemused

Phrases

  • look bemused
  • seem bemused

Prepositions

  • bemused by

Etymology

English

Bemuse was formed in English from the older verb muse, with the prefix be-. It first suggested putting someone into a state of musing, and later developed the modern idea of leaving someone mildly puzzled or unsure how to react.

First known use

1734

1734, in the meaning defined at sense 1