bemused
Puzzled and unsure about what is going on.
bemused in a sentence
- The tourist looked bemused as his map blew away in the wind.
- Grandpa gave a bemused smile when we tried to explain the video game.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to bemused?
- Apuzzled
- Bcertain
- Csure
- Dclear
Show the answer
A: puzzled. The other three mean the opposite of bemused.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to bemused?
- Apuzzled
- Bconfused
- Ccertain
- Dbaffled
Show the answer
C: certain. The other three mean nearly the same as bemused.
Words that mean something similar
puzzled, confused, baffled
Words that mean the opposite
certain, sure, clear
Careful: bemused is not baffled
Baffled is completely stumped. Bemused is puzzled and unsure, and it has nothing to do with amused. Read why children mix them up.
More words about emotions & feelings
- bewitch: To put a magic spell on someone, or to completely charm them.
- blissful: Completely and perfectly happy.
- brood: To keep thinking sadly or angrily about something.
- burden: A heavy load to carry, or a worry that weighs on your mind.
- captivate: To hold someone's attention completely because they find something wonderful.
- cherish: To love and care for something very much.
- composed: Calm and in control of your feelings.
- console: To comfort someone who is sad.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test