amusing

word · lemma: amuse

/əmˈjuzɪŋ/
uh-MYOO-zing
/ɐmjˈuːsɪŋ/
uh-MYOO-zing

Definition

If something is amusing, it makes you smile or laugh because it is funny or entertaining. It often describes something mildly funny rather than extremely hilarious.

Usage & Nuances

Common for stories, comments, situations, books, and behavior: 'an amusing story', 'I found it amusing'. It is a bit milder and more polite than 'funny'. Don't confuse it with 'amused', which describes how a person feels.

Example Sentences

The movie was amusing and easy to watch.

basic

She told an amusing story at dinner.

basic

I found his little joke amusing.

basic

I wasn't expecting the book to be that amusing, but I ended up reading it in one night.

natural

Her comment was oddly amusing, even though nobody laughed out loud.

natural

He has an amusing way of making serious topics feel less heavy.

natural