Basic Details
Word: Amuse
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make someone laugh or entertain them.
Synonyms: Entertain, delight, divert
Antonyms: Bore, disappoint, sadden
Idioms and Phrases
- Amuse oneself: To entertain oneself without needing help from others. Example: "She often amuses herself by reading funny stories."
- Make a fool of oneself: To do something silly that makes others laugh. Example: "He tripped over his own feet and made a fool of himself, which really amused his friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The clown at the party enchanted the children and amused them with his silly tricks.
Example 2: My grandfather loves to tell stories that always amuse everyone around the fire.
Example 3: Watching the puppy chase its tail never fails to amuse me.
Fun Fact
The word "amuse" comes from the Latin word "musa", meaning "to think" or "to muse", combined with the prefix "a-" which means "not". So, it suggests a state of being not thinking, which is often when we are most entertained!
Famous Quote
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." Roald Dahl
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "amuse" mean?
a) To bore someone
b) To make someone laugh or entertain
c) To confuse someone
d) To scare someone
Answer: b) To make someone laugh or entertain
2. Which of these is a synonym of "amuse"?
a) Delight
b) Annoy
c) Disappoint
d) Embarrass
Answer: a) Delight
3. Which of these is an antonym of "amuse"?
a) Entertain
b) Bore
c) Delight
d) Cheer
Answer: b) Bore
4. Which sentence uses "amuse" correctly?
a) The joke did not amuse the audience at all.
b) The magician tried to amuse the audience with serious tricks.
c) She decided to amuse the cake before the party.
d) He wanted to amuse the school with his silent performance.
Answer: a) The joke did not amuse the audience at all.
5. Which idiom means to entertain oneself?
a) Amuse oneself
b) Make a fool of oneself
c) Play it cool
d) Go with the flow
Answer: a) Amuse oneself
