bemused

Examples

• All

• The students felt bemused by the confusing instructions given during the exam.

• We in Canada remain, years into this discussion with you, somewhat bemused, somewhat irritated, somewhat perplexed, and awfully weary.

  Academic text (1998)

• But she seemed bemused too, as if it had been given to someone else.

  Fiction book (1994)

• "Well," I said in a bemused tone.

  Fiction book (1999)

• I just went on my way in a somewhat bemused fashion.

  Blog text (9)

• Calvin turned away toward the door, with a pleasant, bemused smile.

  Fiction book (1999)

• Many of my friends are quite bemused when I say I am working for the Liberal Democrats.

  Blog text (10)

• His voice has returned to its slightly ironic, bemused tone.

  Fiction book (2002)

• Over time, I became familiar with a certain bemused look on the faces of people to whom I mentioned that I was studying Yiddish.

  Academic text (2000)

• "You're kinda cute," she tells the bemused and startled doctor.

  Academic text (2014)

Synonyms

C

confused

vsbemused

692 1.3

Not able to think clearly or understand what is happening

is caused especially by conflicting information rather than general blur

M

mixed-up

vsbemused

• Informal

82 4.9

Confused and unsure because different ideas or instructions do not agree

is similar but applies to puzzlement in many situations

P

puzzled

vsbemused

31 3.0

Unable to understand something because you feel confused

is often triggered by conflicting situations or information

A

at sea

vsbemused

9 6.8

Confused and not sure what to do

is puzzled similarly but stresses cognitive conflict from information

M

muddled

vsbemused

7 5.4

Confused and not in clear order so hard to understand

is puzzled similarly but emphasizes chaos in structure not only confusion

P

perplexed

vsbemused

7 5.1

Feeling confused because you do not understand something

is milder and means puzzled rather than total inability

L

lost

vsbemused

6 1.0

Confused and unsure what to do or where to go

is perplexed similarly but may include feeling of lacking direction

N

nonplussed

vsbemused

3 8.9

Very surprised and confused so you do not know what to say or do

is puzzled without the strong surprise that blocks reaction

D

discombobulated

vsbemused

• Informal

2 9.9

Confused and unable to think clearly after something unexpected

is puzzled similarly but is more about cognitive conflict than loss of composure

M

mystified

vsbemused

1 5.9

Not able to understand what is happening and feeling puzzled

is more about puzzled confusion not always total inability

F

flummoxed

vsbemused

1 8.1

Not able to understand what is happening or what to do

is milder referring to puzzlement often from conflicting details

B

bewildered

vsbemused

1 5.3

Feeling confused and not knowing what is happening or what to do

is puzzled in the same way but often less helpless

D

disconcerted

vsbemused

1 6.9

Feeling confused and uneasy because something surprised you

is puzzled rather than chiefly about being unsettled or surprised

C

confounded

vsbemused

6.8

Feeling very confused and not able to understand something unexpected

is puzzled more generally rather than only by complexity

M

mazed

vsbemused

9.6

Confused and unable to think clearly

is confused in the same way but can be less intense

B

baffled

vsbemused

3.9

Feeling confused when you cannot understand something

is puzzled similarly but includes cases from conflicting information

B

befuddled

vsbemused

7.4

Confused and unable to think clearly

is puzzled by conflicting information but focuses on thought clarity

B

bamfoozled

vsbemused

• Informal

9.9

Confused and not sure what to do

is the neutral form used for puzzlement from conflicting information

Antonyms

C

clear

∞ 1.0

Easy to understand and not confusing

C

certain

840 1.0

Feeling sure and having no doubt

How Confused

perplexed

7 5.1

baffled

3.9

bemused

3 6.7

confused

692 1.3

puzzled

31 3.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology