French Conversation · Level 28
89 words
French word
amuser
Pronunciation
IPA/amyze/
Meaning
- verbentertain
Example
J'amuse les enfants avec des chansons.
I entertain the children with songs.
More examples
Il sait toujours amuser la galerie avec ses histoires.
He always knows how to entertain the audience with his stories.
Core concept
A person turns someone else's attention from ordinary concerns toward laughter or light enjoyment.
Common phrases
amuser les enfants
entertain the children
amuser la galerie
entertain the audience
amuser quelqu'un
entertain someone
Similar words
faire rire: To make someone laugh out loud.
divertir: To entertain someone through enjoyable activities or play.
distraire: To distract someone from worries and offer a change of focus.
égayer: To make someone feel happier and more cheerful.
Definition in French
Donner du plaisir ou du divertissement à quelqu'un, souvent en provoquant le rire.
Word origin
French amuser comes through Old French amuser, formed with à- and muser, a verb for lingering or staring idly that developed the sense of diverting and entertaining someone.
Usage tips
- Amuser quelqu'un takes a direct object without à, while s'amuser means to enjoy oneself and is a different construction.