To amuse someone means to make them happy or laugh by being funny or interesting. It often happens when you watch a movie or listen to a story that is fun.
The clown amused the children at the party.
The joke amused everyone in the room.
To amuse someone can also mean to keep them busy with fun or interesting things. This means they do not feel bored because something is holding their attention.
She was amused by playing games on her phone.
We amused the children with puzzles and toys.
Sometimes, to amuse means to make someone feel lightly interested or curious, often in a way that is funny or surprising. It is not serious but makes the person think or smile.
He was amused by the unusual way she spoke.
The idea amused me but made me think.
As a noun, an amuse is a small activity or event that makes people happy or relaxed. It is often something short and easy to enjoy before other things happen.
The puppet show was a nice amuse for the kids.
We need a small amuse before dinner to relax.
To amuse can also mean to make someone smile or feel happy in a quiet, polite way, often when something is funny but not very serious. It is like gentle enjoyment.
She was amused by his clumsy dancing.
I was amused at the strange hat he wore.
This meaning is used mainly in old or formal language. It means to keep someone busy and happy for a short time by giving them something interesting or pleasant to do.
He amused himself with a novel during the wait.
They amused the guests with music and stories.
