amused

[ uh-myoozd ]

adjective

1. pleasurably entertained, occupied, or diverted.
2. displaying amusement:

   an amused expression on her face.

3. aroused to mirth.

Other Words From

• a·mus·ed·ly [uh, -, myoo, -zid-lee], adverb
• una·mused adjective
• well-a·mused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amused¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; amuse + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

In reality, they were most likely just another branch of his art, a way of reaching into the future—with their amused, all-seeing eyes and wild swirls of fur, these cat images, painted in the early 20th century, do seem far ahead of their time.

From Time

According to a witness who spoke with Bally Sports, people who heard the remark “gasped” while McNair and his wife appeared amused.

From Washington Post

Yes, curling, the ice-based sport that attracts a whiff of amused attention every four years at the Winter Olympics but then retreats to its status as a niche sport played in some of the world’s colder climates.

From Washington Post

Unlike your superiors, Miss Manners is neither bemused nor amused.

From Washington Post

Seated at a table on a bare stage, Clay effects an amused professorial air as she recounts the events leading to a violent encounter on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, in a gully near the Hudson River.

From Washington Post

At first—it was the early stages of reporting—I was amused at having been so crassly underestimated.

From The Daily Beast

Israelis often are amused and appalled by the crazies attracted to the Holy Land, and not only for religious reasons.

From The Daily Beast

One beginning that amused him takes place at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Abe was not amused and on his Facebook page he called these taunts “the most despicable act.”

From The Daily Beast

At the age of sixteen these bad guys chase you, often under the amused and complicit watch of policemen.

From The Daily Beast

Miss Anne smiled kindly, not dreaming of his perplexity, amused by his Southern warmth.

From Project Gutenberg

These oral inanities only served to make Lyn give me the benefit of a look of amused wonder.

From Project Gutenberg

She sat down and recalled the conversation with her new friend, giving an amused little shudder.

From Project Gutenberg

Hexam watched her with an amused indulgence that in no wise tempered his mounting admiration.

From Project Gutenberg

He muttered something about his gray hairs, but came along after an amused glance at Lilac and Konnel.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• entertained