What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bemused
Example
The comedian's jokes left the audience bemused and entertained. [bemused: adjective]
Example
She sat in the park, bemused by the beauty of nature. [bemused: past participle]
confused
Example
I'm confused about which bus to take. [confused: adjective]
Example
The instructions were so complicated that I got confused. [confused: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confused is more commonly used than bemused in everyday language. Confused is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bemused is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bemused and confused?
While bemused is typically associated with a more formal tone, confused can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
