What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bemused
Example
She had a bemused expression on her face as she tried to understand the joke. [bemused: adjective]
Example
He sat in the park, bemused by the beauty of nature. [bemused: verb]
puzzled
Example
The students looked puzzled when they couldn't figure out the math equation. [puzzled: adjective]
Example
She puzzled over the riddle for hours, trying to find the answer. [puzzled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puzzled is more commonly used than bemused in everyday language. Puzzled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bemused is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bemused and puzzled?
While bemused is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, puzzled can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
