Amusing
/əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Providing laughter or entertainment.
/əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
adjectivepositiveBeginner
General
Causing laughter or enjoyment.
The clown's antics were highly amusing.
💡 Simply: Funny and enjoyable.
More Examples
2
I found the situation rather amusing, despite its awkwardness.
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"He told an amusing anecdote about his childhood."
Entertainment
"The movie was quite amusing, full of witty dialogue."
From Middle English *amusynge, from amusen "to amuse", from Old French amuser, from a- + user "to use, employ". The sense shifted from 'to entertain' to 'causing amusement'.
The word has maintained a consistent meaning of causing laughter or enjoyment throughout its history, though its frequency of use has varied.
Memory tip
Think of 'muse' – something amusing makes you ponder playfully.
Practice
amusinggamusinamusingly
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written