YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

bemused

Adjective

IPA /bɪˈmjuːzd/

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Meaning in plain English

Confused or puzzled by something that has happened or been said.

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Pronunciation

bemused/bɪˈmjuːzd/

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Two instructions contradict each other
The reader cannot make sense of them
Their expression shows confusion

A bemused person is puzzled by what they have seen or heard.

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I gave the waiter a bemused look when he brought three empty plates.
The students seemed bemused by the contradictory instructions.

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I gave the waiter a ________ look when he brought three empty plates.

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bemused — Confused or puzzled by something that has happened or been said.

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Confused or puzzled by something that has happened or been said.

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Word origin

Formed from be-, used for emphasis, and muse, with the ending -ed.

Did you know?

A bemused look, smile or expression can show confusion without words.

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