Amusement: meaning, definitions and examples

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amusement

 

[ əˈmjuːzmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

source of entertainment

The feeling of being entertained or finding something funny; the state of experiencing pleasure, enjoyment, or delight.

Synonyms

entertainment, fun, pleasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amusement

Often used to describe a feeling of enjoyment or delight, often in response to something funny or entertaining. This word can be used both formally and informally.

  • Her story brought amusement to the whole group.
  • The park provides a lot of amusement for kids.
entertainment

Commonly used to refer to activities, performances, or events that provide enjoyment and keep people interested and amused. This term is usually more formal and can refer to a broader range of activities.

  • The movie was excellent entertainment.
  • Our city has a lot of entertainment options.
fun

Used to describe activities or experiences that are enjoyable, often light-hearted, and engaging. This term is very informal and is often used in casual conversation.

  • We had so much fun at the party.
  • Playing video games is fun.
pleasure

Refers to a sense of happiness or satisfaction derived from an experience or activity. This term is often used in more formal contexts and can also imply calm or serene enjoyment.

  • Reading this book has been a great pleasure.
  • It was a pleasure to meet you.

Examples of usage

  • He provided hours of amusement with his jokes.
  • The amusement park was crowded with families enjoying the rides.
  • She found great amusement in watching comedy shows.
  • The children were filled with amusement as they watched the clown perform.
  • We all need a bit of amusement in our lives to relax and unwind.
Context #2 | Noun

activity that provides enjoyment

An activity or pastime that is enjoyable, entertaining, or fun.

Synonyms

entertainment, pastime, recreation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amusement

Used when referring to a light-hearted activity that brings enjoyment or laughter.

  • Her story provided great amusement at the dinner party.
  • The children watched the clown with great amusement.
entertainment

Used when referring to activities or events designed to entertain an audience, often organized and planned.

  • The movie was great entertainment for the whole family.
  • They provided live entertainment at the wedding reception.
recreation

Used when referring to activities done for relaxation and enjoyment, often involving physical activities or hobbies.

  • Hiking in the mountains is a popular form of recreation.
  • The community center offers many recreational activities.
pastime

Used to describe an activity that people regularly enjoy doing during their free time.

  • Reading has always been a favorite pastime of hers.
  • Gardening is a relaxing pastime.

Examples of usage

  • Visiting the amusement park was the highlight of their vacation.
  • Board games are a popular form of amusement for families.
  • The circus offers a variety of amusements for people of all ages.
  • The amusement of playing video games can be a great way to unwind.
  • She found amusement in reading books and exploring new worlds.

Translations

Translations of the word "amusement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diversão

🇮🇳 मनोरंजन

🇩🇪 Vergnügen

🇮🇩 hiburan

🇺🇦 розвага

🇵🇱 rozrywka

🇯🇵 楽しみ

🇫🇷 divertissement

🇪🇸 diversión

🇹🇷 eğlence

🇰🇷 즐거움

🇸🇦 ترفيه

🇨🇿 zábava

🇸🇰 zábava

🇨🇳 娱乐

🇸🇮 zabava

🇮🇸 skemmtun

🇰🇿 көңіл көтеру

🇬🇪 გასართობი

🇦🇿 əyləncə

🇲🇽 diversión

Etymology

The word 'amusement' originated in the mid-17th century from the French word 'amusement', which means 'diversion' or 'entertainment'. It was derived from the verb 'amuser', meaning 'to entertain' or 'to amuse'. Over time, 'amusement' has come to represent the feeling of being entertained or finding something funny, as well as activities that provide enjoyment and pleasure. The concept of amusement has evolved to encompass various forms of entertainment, from amusement parks and circuses to movies and games.

See also: amuse, amusing, amusingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,932 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.