bemused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bemused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of confusion or puzzlement, often in a slightly amused or ironic way. Example: "She was bemused by the unexpected turn of events during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The administration is bemused by this.

The Economist

He is bemused by the fuss.

The New York Times

Mr. Hogan seems bemused by such speculation.

The New York Times

Critics were left bemused by the news.

Independent

Krugman was bemused by the reactions.

The New Yorker

They are bemused by you".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some are bemused by it.

The Guardian - Books

Lib Dems are genuinely bemused by this.

The Guardian

Rushdie is nevertheless bemused by Bradbury's remark.

The Guardian - Books

Gilly is bemused by Laura's efforts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Benyamina seemed slightly bemused by her surroundings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bemused by", ensure that the subject of the phrase is a person or entity capable of experiencing emotions or understanding something. For example, "The audience was bemused by the abstract performance."

Common error

Avoid using "bemused by" in situations that require a more serious or concerned tone. It's not appropriate for describing reactions to tragedies or severe problems; instead, consider words like "saddened", "shocked", or "concerned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bemused by" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of mild confusion or puzzlement often accompanied by amusement. Ludwig examples show that it is typically used to express someone's reaction to a situation or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bemused by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of mild confusion or puzzlement mixed with amusement. As highlighted by Ludwig, its primary function is to convey this specific blend of emotions in response to a situation or statement. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives like "puzzled by" or "confounded by" exist, "bemused by" uniquely captures the subtle amusement often present in such scenarios. Therefore, use it thoughtfully to add nuance to your writing, ensuring it aligns with the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puzzled by

Focuses more on the confusion aspect, with less emphasis on amusement.

perplexed by

Similar to puzzled, but suggests a deeper level of mental engagement in trying to understand.

confounded by

Implies a stronger sense of being bewildered and unable to understand.

bewildered by

Indicates a state of being completely confused and disoriented.

intrigued by

Shifts the focus to curiosity and interest, rather than confusion.

amused by

Highlights the amusement aspect, downplaying the confusion.

taken aback by

Emphasizes surprise and slight shock, rather than confusion.

surprised by

Focuses on the unexpected nature of something.

charmed by

Indicates a positive and delighted reaction, removing any sense of confusion.

entertained by

Highlights that something is found to be amusing or interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "bemused by" in a sentence?

You can use "bemused by" to describe someone's reaction to something confusing or slightly amusing. For example, "She was "bemused by" his sudden change of topic".

What are some alternatives to "bemused by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "puzzled by", "confounded by", or "intrigued by".

Is it correct to say "I am bemused at" instead of "bemused by"?

While "bemused by" is the more common and accepted phrasing, "bemused at" is less frequently used but not necessarily incorrect. However, "bemused by" is generally preferred for clarity and naturalness.

What's the difference between "bemused by" and "confused by"?

"Confused by" generally implies a stronger sense of disorientation and lack of understanding, while ""bemused by"" suggests a milder form of puzzlement often mixed with amusement.