The English language is full of words that are unfamiliar to many people. One such word is “bemuses.” This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is still important to understand its meaning and usage. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bemuses, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
Bemuses is a verb that means to cause someone to be confused or puzzled. It can also mean to occupy someone’s attention in a way that makes them forget their surroundings or lose track of time.
Origin
The word bemuses comes from the Old French word “bemuser,” which means to deceive or amuse. The word was first used in English in the 18th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bemuses means “to make confused” or “to occupy the attention of.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to bewilder or confuse (someone).” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to cause someone to be confused or to be unable to understand something.”
Associations
Bemuses is often associated with confusion, bewilderment, and puzzlement. It is also associated with distraction and being lost in thought.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bemuses include perplex, puzzle, bewilder, confound, and mystify.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bemuses include clarify, enlighten, explain, and simplify.
The same root words
The word bemuses comes from the Old French word “bemuser,” which is derived from the Latin word “musa,” meaning “muse.” Other words that are derived from the same Latin root include music, museum, and amuse.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use bemuses in a sentence:
- The complicated instructions bemused the new employee.
- The strange behavior of the cat bemused its owner.
- The intricate puzzle bemused the puzzle solver for hours.
- The beautiful scenery bemused the hiker, causing him to lose track of time.
- The confusing directions bemused the driver, causing him to get lost.