What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diverting
Example
The movie was diverting enough to take my mind off of my problems. [diverting: adjective]
Example
She found the book to be a diverting read on her long flight. [diverting: present participle]
amusing
Example
The comedian's jokes were very amusing and had the audience laughing throughout the show. [amusing: adjective]
Example
The children found the puppet show to be very amusing and entertaining. [amusing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amusing is more commonly used than diverting in everyday language. Amusing is a more casual word that is used frequently in conversation, while diverting is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diverting and amusing?
Diverting is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language, while amusing is more casual and commonly used in conversation. Therefore, diverting may be more appropriate in formal writing or speech, while amusing is better suited for informal situations.