What is amuse? Pronunciation and usage in English

amuse means . Learn how to pronounce and use amuse through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of amuse

amuseverb

/əˈm(j)uːz/
Definition & pronunciation of amuse

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "amuse." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/əˈmjuːs/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • əˈmjuːs: (This is the most accurate)
    • ə: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. Think of it like the "a" in "about." It's subtle.
    • ˈmjuː: This is the first syllable.
      • m: As in "mom."
      • j: This is the tricky part! The "j" sound in "amuse" is not like the "j" in "jump." It's closer to the "y" sound in "yes." It’s a palatalized ‘j’ – your tongue is a bit higher in your mouth. Think of it as a quick, subtle "y" sound.
      • uː: This is a long “oo” sound, like in “moon” or “blue.”
    • s: As in "sun."

How to say it (Step-by-step):

  1. Start with a short "uh" sound: (ə) – almost like you’re quickly saying "a" without much emphasis.
  2. Add an "m": (m) – just like the letter "m".
  3. Say the "y" sound: (j) – This is the key! Quickly, lightly, and high in your mouth, say the "y" as in "yes" but less pronounced.
  4. Say the long "oo" sound: (uː) – Like in “moon.”
  5. Finish with an "s": (s) – Just like the letter "s."

Tips & Common Mistakes:

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Usage and examples with the word amuse in English

Let's break down how to use the word "amuse" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning and a few nuances.

1. Core Meaning: To Interest or Delight

At its heart, "amuse" means to provide enjoyment, interest, or amusement to someone. It's about making someone smile, laugh, or be entertained.

2. Common Ways to Use "Amuse"

  • As a Verb (Most Common):

    • "The clown amused the children with his silly antics." (Here, the clown's actions gave the children enjoyment.)
    • "The movie amused me for a couple of hours." (The movie provided entertainment.)
    • "A funny story can easily amuse a group of friends." (A funny story brings amusement.)
    • "He tried to amuse his sick child with a magic trick." (He attempted to entertain the child.)

  • As a Noun (Less Common):

    • "She has a talent for amusement; she can always find a way to lighten the mood." (Here, "amusement" refers to the state of being entertained or enjoying oneself.)
    • "The circus provided hours of amusement." (Referring to the overall enjoyment the circus offered.)

3. Key Phrases & Sentences Using "Amuse"

  • "To amuse oneself": To entertain or occupy oneself, often with a hobby or activity. "I like to amuse myself by reading."
  • "Amuse with": Followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing). "He amused the audience with his jokes."
  • "To amuse someone with something": "She amused him with her tales of adventure."

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Entertain
  • Delight
  • Divert
  • Occupy
  • Please
  • Tickle (someone's fancy)

5. Examples Across Different Contexts

  • Formal: “The speaker attempted to amuse the audience with anecdotes from his travels.”
  • Informal: “Let's play a game to amuse ourselves while we wait.”
  • Describing a person: “She's a charming person who always knows how to amuse others.”

6. Important Notes:

  • Not usually for serious purposes: "Amuse" is generally used for lighthearted things. You wouldn't typically "amuse" someone during a serious discussion or a moment of grief.
  • It doesn't mean "to confuse": It’s not about making someone bewildered. It’s about making them happy and entertained.

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Synonyms for the word amuse

Practice with vocabulary amuse

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The magician’s tricks never fail to _____ the children at the birthday party.
  2. She tried to _____ her colleague by sharing a funny story during the meeting.
  3. The documentary was designed to educate rather than _____ its audience.
  4. He hoped his joke would _____ the crowd, but it only made them uncomfortable.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits the sentence?
    "The comedian’s jokes always _____ the audience."
    a) inspire
    b) amuse
    c) confuse
    d) frustrate

  2. Which word is appropriate in this context?
    "The teacher used humor to _____ her students during the boring lecture."
    a) entertain
    b) distract
    c) amuse
    d) bore

  3. Which word replaces "amuse" without changing the meaning?
    "The playful puppies _____ the visitors at the park."
    a) irritate
    b) delight
    c) annoy
    d) bother

  4. Which word does NOT fit this sentence?
    "The movie’s plot was meant to _____ the viewers, but it only left them confused."
    a) entertain
    b) amuse
    c) dishearten
    d) engage

  5. Which word is correct in this sentence?
    "The clown’s antics failed to _____ the unimpressed audience."
    a) anger
    b) amuse
    c) excite
    d) frighten

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The children laughed loudly at the clown’s performance.
    Rewrite: The clown’s performance managed to _____ the children.

  2. Original: The funny anecdotes made the meeting more enjoyable.
    Rewrite: The funny anecdotes served to _____ everyone during the meeting.

  3. Original: The professor tried to lighten the mood with a clever comment.
    Rewrite: The professor attempted to _____ the class with a clever comment.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. amuse
  2. amuse
  3. educate
  4. entertain

Exercise 2:

  1. b) amuse
  2. c) amuse
  3. b) delight
  4. c) dishearten
  5. b) amuse

Exercise 3:

  1. The clown’s performance managed to amuse the children.
  2. The funny anecdotes served to amuse everyone during the meeting.
  3. The professor attempted to entertain the class with a clever comment.

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