amused
uh-MYOOZD
Amused (adj) means feeling entertained or finding something funny. Example: “She gave an amused smile at his terrible joke.”
adj
1
Feeling entertained or finding something funny.
"She gave an amused smile at his terrible joke."
"The teacher looked more amused than angry at the prank."
"The audience grew amused as the cat wandered slowly onto the stage."
How to use amused
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFinding something entertaining or funny, often shown by a smile or laugh.
Common mistake
"Not amused" is a common set phrase meaning annoyed rather than genuinely entertained.
Common pairings
amused expression
mildly amused
not amused
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more amused
- Superlative
- most amused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave an _____ smile at his terrible joke.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for amused
See all rhymes for amused →Frequently asked questions
What does “amused” mean?
The word “amused” means feeling entertained or finding something funny. In plain terms, finding something entertaining or funny, often shown by a smile or laugh.
How do you pronounce “amused”?
“Amused” is pronounced uh-MYOOZD (/əˈmjuːzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “amused” in a sentence?
Here is “amused” used in a sentence: “She gave an amused smile at his terrible joke.”
What part of speech is “amused”?
“Amused” is an adjective.
Is “amused” a common word?
“Amused” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "amused" and "amusing"?
"Amused" describes how a person feels — entertained or finding something funny — while "amusing" describes the thing causing that feeling. For example, "I was amused by the amusing story" uses "amused" for the listener's reaction and "amusing" for the story itself.
Do you say "amused by" or "amused at" something?
Both are used, though "amused by" is generally more common in everyday English, as in "amused by his joke," while "amused at" appears slightly more often in reaction to a specific incident or spectacle, as in "amused at the sight." The difference is subtle and both are grammatically acceptable.
Can "amused" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "amused" is frequently used ironically or sarcastically to mean the opposite of genuine entertainment, as in "I'm not amused," which signals annoyance rather than enjoyment. This dry, understated use is especially common in British English.
