What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amusement
Example
Playing board games is one of my favorite forms of amusement. [amusement: noun]
Example
The comedian's jokes provided much amusement for the audience. [amusement: noun]
pastime
Example
Fishing is a popular pastime for many people who live near the lake. [pastime: noun]
Example
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon. [pastime: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amusement is a more commonly used word than pastime in everyday language. Amusement is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pastime is less common and may be considered more formal or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amusement and pastime?
While amusement is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, pastime is more formal and may be used in more serious or academic contexts.
