Bemused: meaning, definitions and examples
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bemused
[bɪˈmjuːzd ]
Definition
confused state
Bemused describes a state of confusion or bewilderment, often arising from something unexpected or perplexing. It suggests a sense of amusement mixed with perplexity, where an individual may not fully grasp what is happening around them. This term is commonly used to convey a feeling of mild confusion. People might feel bemused when confronted with absurd situations or statements that don't seem to make sense at first.
Synonyms
bewildered, confused, mystified, perplexed, puzzled.
Examples of usage
- He wore a bemused expression after hearing the joke.
- She was bemused by the strange behavior of her friends.
- The comment left him bemused, pondering its meaning.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to cause to be' and 'muse,' which means 'to think or ponder.'
- Originally, it appeared in the late 19th century as a combination of amusingly lost in thought.
- As the language evolved, its meaning shifted to describe a state of being puzzled or bewildered.
Psychology
- Feeling bemused can indicate a cognitive overload, where the brain is processing too much information at once.
- It often leads to a dual emotional state where one is both perplexed and slightly entertained.
- Bemusement can foster introspection, encouraging individuals to think more deeply about a confusing situation.
Pop Culture
- Bemused characters frequently appear in films, often portrayed as quirky observers amid chaotic events.
- In literature, bemusement is a common theme, where characters navigate the absurdities of life.
- Popular cartoons use bemused expressions to highlight the silliness of certain situations, effectively engaging audiences.
Literature
- Many authors utilize bemusement to create memorable scenes, allowing readers to relate to the confusion of characters.
- The term is often linked with British humor in literature, where characters find themselves in absurdly bewildering situations.
- Writers like Lewis Carroll played with this emotion, inviting readers into a whimsical but confounding world.
Language Usage
- Bemused is often mistakenly used interchangeably with 'amused,' though they reflect distinct emotional states.
- Its nuanced meaning can enhance descriptions in writing, adding depth to characters’ emotional experiences.
- In everyday conversation, using bemused correctly can indicate sophistication in language use when describing reactions.
Translations
Translations of the word "bemused" in other languages:
🇵🇹 confuso
🇮🇳 भ्रमित
🇩🇪 verwirrt
🇮🇩 bingung
🇺🇦 здивований
🇵🇱 zdezorientowany
🇯🇵 困惑した
🇫🇷 déconcerté
🇪🇸 perplejo
🇹🇷 şaşırmış
🇰🇷 당황한
🇸🇦 مرتبك
🇨🇿 zmatený
🇸🇰 zmätený
🇨🇳 困惑的
🇸🇮 zmeden
🇮🇸 ruglaður
🇰🇿 шатасқан
🇬🇪 აბნეული
🇦🇿 təəccüblü
🇲🇽 desconcertado