bemuse
/bi'mju:z/
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause to be confused emotionally: To bewilder, perplex, or stupefy someone, often leaving them in a state of surprised or dazed confusion.
Usage
- The verb "bemuse" describes the action of causing emotional or mental confusion. It often implies a state of being so surprised, puzzled, or preoccupied by something that one is temporarily at a loss.
- It is typically used in the passive voice (e.g., "to be bemused") to describe the resulting state of the person affected.
- It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person who is confused).
Examples
- The sudden change in policy bemused the entire staff.
- She was bemused by his contradictory statements.
- The abstract painting left the viewers bemused.
Advanced Usage
- "to be bemused by/at something": To be in a state of confused wonderment regarding something.
- He was utterly bemused by the complexity of the instructions.
- "a bemused expression/smile/look": A facial expression showing mild, often tolerant, confusion.
- She listened to the technical explanation with a bemused smile.
Variants and Related Words
- Bemused (adj.): Showing or characterized by bemused confusion.
- He had a bemused look on his face.
- Bemusedly (adv.): In a bemused manner.
- She shook her head bemusedly.
- Bemusement (n.): The state of being bemused.
- His announcement was met with general bemusement.
Synonyms
- Bewilder: To cause someone to become perplexed and confused.
- Perplex: To make someone feel completely baffled.
- Confuse: To make someone unable to think clearly or understand.
- Nonplus: To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to react.
- Flummox: (Informal) To perplex greatly; to bewilder.
Notes on Meaning and Usage
- "Bemuse" vs. "Amuse": A common error is to confuse "bemuse" with "amuse." While "amuse" means to entertain or cause laughter, "bemuse" means to confuse or bewilder. They are not synonyms.
- Degree of Confusion: "Bemuse" often suggests a less agitated, more thoughtful, or slightly detached state of confusion compared to stronger synonyms like "bewilder" or "flummox." It can sometimes imply a wry or tolerant puzzlement.
Verb
-
cause to be confused emotionally
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "bemuse"
