Vocabulary Spotlight
Bemuse
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To confuse or bewilder someone; to cause slight amusement or puzzlement.
“The complex puzzle bemused the children, who struggled to find the solution.”
Pronunciation
[bih-myooz]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Bewilder
Puzzle
Perplex
Amaze
Antonyms
Explain
Simplify
Enlighten
Resolve
Related Words
Daze
Baffle
Word Origin
“Bemuse” is thought to be a combination of “be-” and “muse,” meaning “to absorb in thought.” It later came to mean being slightly confused or amused.
Word Family
Verb: Bemuse – To confuse or perplex.
Adjective: Bemused – Feeling bewildered or confused.
Mnemonics
Think “be” + “muse” – to “be in a state of muse” or slight confusion.
Industry-specific Usage
Education
In education, teachers might bemuse students with challenging or complex questions to stimulate thinking.
Entertainment
In entertainment, a plot twist can bemuse viewers, creating suspense or intrigue.
Psychology
In psychology, a bemused state may refer to temporary confusion or disorientation.
In Context
“Bemuse” describes a reaction of slight puzzlement, often where someone is left wondering or mildly confused by something unexpected.