Amusement

/əˈmjuːzmənt/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

The state or feeling of being entertained or diverted.

/əˈmjuːzmənt/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

The state of being entertained or diverted.

The clown's antics provided much amusement for the children.

💡 Simply: Something that makes you happy and entertained.

More Examples

2

Her sarcastic remarks were intended as amusement, but some people found them offensive.

How It's Used

Entertainment

"The children found great amusement in playing hide-and-seek."

Leisure

"The amusement park offered a variety of rides and attractions."

Idioms & expressions

For amusement only

Not intended to be taken seriously.

"This is for amusement only; do not attempt to replicate this at home."

From Middle English *amusement*, from Old French *amuisement*, from *amuser* "to amuse", from Vulgar Latin *admusāre*, from Latin *ad* + *musāre* "to be idle, to muse".

Historically, the word has been used in a similar context to its modern usage, referring to entertainment and diversion. However, the specific types of amusement available have evolved over time.

Memory tip

Think of 'muse' – being lost in thought, which can be a form of amusement.

amusemntamusmentamuzement

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written