What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amusement
Example
The comedian's jokes provided great amusement for the audience. [amusement: noun]
Example
She was amused by the silly antics of her cat. [amused: verb]
recreation
Example
I like to go hiking as a form of recreation. [recreation: noun]
Example
He recreates by playing video games after work. [recreates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recreation is more commonly used than amusement in everyday language. Recreation is a versatile word that covers a wide range of leisure activities, while amusement is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amusement and recreation?
Both amusement and recreation are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, recreation can also be used in more formal contexts, such as discussing leisure activities in a business setting or academic research on the benefits of recreation.
