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bemused

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "bemused": To be "bemused" is to be mildly amused or puzzled, often in a detached or slightly confused way. Ima

What does "bemused" mean?

To be "bemused" is to be mildly amused or puzzled, often in a detached or slightly confused way. Imagine someone watching a bizarre piece of performance art or listening to a rambling story that they can't quite follow; they aren't necessarily upset, but they are certainly preoccupied with trying to make sense of the situation. While it is frequently misused to mean "amused," in its precise usage, it carries a hint of bewilderment. It is often used to describe a state of mind where one is caught between confusion and a lighthearted realization of the absurdity of a moment. It is best used in more formal or literary contexts to describe a thoughtful, slightly distanced state of mind.

"bemused" in conversation

Observing a strange street performance

Are they trying to juggle flaming pineapples?

Are they trying to juggle flaming pineapples?

I honestly have no idea. I’m just standing here feeling completely bemused.

I honestly have no idea. I’m just standing here feeling completely bemused.

Used to describe a state of mild, confused wonder at a strange sight.

Discussing a complex movie plot

Did the main character actually travel through time, or was it a dream?

Did the main character actually travel through time, or was it a dream?

I left the theater feeling utterly bemused by the ending.

I left the theater feeling utterly bemused by the ending.

Describes the feeling of being puzzled by a work of art.

"bemused" in a sentence

  1. The professor looked at the student's bizarre excuse with a bemused expression.

    The professor looked at the student's bizarre excuse with a bemused expression.

  2. She remained bemused by the sudden turn of events, unsure whether to laugh or worry.

    She remained bemused by the sudden turn of events, unsure whether to laugh or worry.

  3. The bemused silence that followed his absurd proposal suggested that nobody knew how to respond.

    The bemused silence that followed his absurd proposal suggested that nobody knew how to respond.

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