Amusement
/əˈmjuːzmənt/
nounB1
Definition
Amusement means the feeling you get when something is fun, funny, or entertaining. It is a happy and light feeling that makes you smile or laugh. People experience amusement when they enjoy games, jokes, shows, or interesting activities.
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⚡ See It in Action
The feeling of enjoyment or laughter caused by something entertaining
- •The children's faces showed great amusement at the clown's tricks.
- •She watched the comedy with amusement and laughed several times.
- •His story was full of amusement and made everyone smile.
Something that entertains or provides fun (less common, usually plural: amusements)
- •The park has many amusements like rides and games.
- •They spent the afternoon enjoying the amusements at the fair.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "amusement" like "fun," but more about the feeling of enjoyment or laughter that comes from something entertaining.
- ✓Picture watching a funny cartoon that makes you smile and laugh—this happy feeling is amusement.
- ✓It's the feeling you have when you play a game with friends and everyone is laughing.
- ✓Sounds like "a-MUSE-ment" → imagine a "muse" (a person who inspires fun) making you smile and laugh.
- ✓Think of a visit to an amusement park, where people enjoy rides and games that bring joy and laughter.
- ✓NOT like "boredom" (feeling tired or uninterested), amusement is the opposite—feeling lively and entertained.
- ✓NOT like "seriousness" (no fun or laughter), amusement is light and happy.
- ✓NOT like "happiness" in general, amusement is a quick, fun feeling caused by something funny or entertaining.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Entertainment: something that keeps you interested or happy (Use when talking about shows, movies, or activities that hold your attention)
- •Fun: enjoyment or pleasure (Use in casual situations to describe good feelings from activities)
- •Laughter: the sound or act of laughing (Use when focusing on the physical reaction to something funny)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "a-" (to, or in a state of) + root "muse" (to think or be thoughtful) + suffix "-ment" (a noun ending meaning the result or condition)
- •Etymology: From Old French "amusement," meaning "to entertain or delight," from the verb "amuser" (to divert or entertain)
- •Historical development: Originally meant to divert or entertain the mind; over time, it came to mean the feeling of enjoyment or fun from such diversion
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the feeling of being entertained or the things that entertain, like amusement parks or shows
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of activities bring you the most amusement in your daily life?
•Can amusement sometimes be serious, or is it always light and fun? How do you think amusement affects people's mood?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The comedian's jokes caused great amusement ___ the audience, making them laugh loudly.
2.When she saw the funny video, her amusement was clear ___ her big smile.
3.Unlike boredom, amusement makes people feel ___ and interested.
4.Children often find amusement ___ simple games and playful activities.
5.At the fair, the amusements included rides that brought joy and ___.
6.He watched the magic show with amusement, but did not ___ out loud.
7.Amusement is different from happiness because it usually comes ___ something funny or entertaining.