The word bemuse is often misused to mean amuse and this kind of confusion is commonplace among English writers. Despite their similar “muse” spelling and sound, these two terms actually have quite opposite meanings. This post will discuss the differences between amuse and bemuse to help you avoid this confusion in the future.
The term amuse is used as a verb denoting “to cause someone to find something funny” or “to provide interesting and enjoyable occupation for someone.”
‘These rules amuse me’: Conor McGregor suits up for feisty Floyd Mayweather press event, vowing to knock out champion
The TelegraphAlberto Moreno caught trying to amuse himself during drab first half against Southampton
MetroComedian seeks to amuse with fake Windsor news
Windsor Star
When written as amused, it is used as an adjective meaning “pleasurably entertained, occupied, or diverted” or “displaying amusement.”
Draymond Green has a message for Celtics after Isaiah Thomas defends ‘dirty’ Olynyk
CBS SportsEVM tampering: Twitterati not amused with AAP’s demo on how EVMs can be ‘manipulated’
The Indian ExpressTwitter Users Are Not Amused By This Brand’s ‘Refugee Dress’
Glamour
On the other hand, bemuse is a verb used to mean “to puzzle, confuse, or bewilder someone.”
Grammar Moses: I hope this column amuses, but does not bemuse, you
Chicago Daily HeraldKanye West bemuses fans by shutting social media accounts
News & StarSelfridges bemuse shoppers opening Christmas shop 147 days early
The Scotsman
Now that the difference between amuse and bemuse has been discussed, you may now avoid mixups between these words. Remember that you may only use the word bemuse if you are using it the way you would use befuddled, confused or baffled. Other than that, it would be safer to use amuse in your sentence, especially if you mean something is entertaining or interesting.