amuse vs bemuse
Definitions
verb
- make (somebody) laugh
- occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
Examples
Some looked angry, while others seemed more amused as some of the angriest protesters bellowed at them through a loudhailer.
Relaxing, in amusement at her unwonted altruism of motive, she had drawn her moleskin coat more closely around her, and settled back to wait the other woman's pleasure in returning to the bright warmth that the pale-orange ribbon of light, wavering upon the swaying platform, harbingered.
Imagine trying to photograph a large pufferfish with the final frame while an eagle ray circles round your head - much to the amusement of the other divers from the boat.
Definitions
verb
- cause to be confused emotionally
Examples
It bemuses me that I need a face-to-face situation in order to be able to construct my own argument without feeling overwhelmed.
While Mona stares uncomfortably into the horse's eye, Tamsin regards her with poised bemusement.
Aside from a few bemused looks from passers-by and a few words with the police, nothing untoward happened.
