bemuse

/bi'mju:z/

Thân thiện

The strange riddle bemused the young detective.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Verb

1. cause to be confused emotionally

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bewilder
• discombobulate
• throw