bemused
13
6.7
- adjective
- /bɪˈmjuːzd/
- She looked bemused when the magician performed an impossible trick right in front of her.
Examples
-
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
762
1.3
Not able to think clearly or understand what is happening
625
1.0
Confused and unsure what to do or where to go
68
3.0
Unable to understand something because you feel confused
48
3.9
Feeling confused when you cannot understand something
38
5.3
Feeling confused and not knowing what is happening or what to do
30
5.1
Feeling confused because you do not understand something
26
4.9
Confused and unsure because different ideas or instructions do not agree
18
5.4
Confused and not in clear order so hard to understand
17
5.9
Not able to understand what is happening and feeling puzzled
10
6.8
Confused and not sure what to do
10
7.4
Confused and unable to think clearly
7
6.8
Feeling very confused and not able to understand something unexpected
7
8.1
Not able to understand what is happening or what to do
6
9.9
Confused and unable to think clearly after something unexpected
5
8.9
Very surprised and confused so you do not know what to say or do
4
6.9
Feeling confused and uneasy because something surprised you
1
9.6
Confused and unable to think clearly
Confused and not sure what to do
Antonyms
How Confused
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Bemused comes from the parts be- and muse, where muse means 'to think' and be- often means 'make' or 'cause'. It once meant 'made thoughtful', and today it often means 'puzzled' — as if someone is so lost in thinking they look confused.