The word "amusement" is spelled with two "m"s because the "u" is a short vowel sound. This means that the consonant that comes before it is doubled in order to indicate its short sound. In phonetic transcription, "amusement" is written as /əˈmjuːzmənt/. The first syllable is a schwa sound, the second syllable has the same vowel sound as "u" in "put", and the final syllable has the same sound as "ent" in "dent". Together, they create a word that means enjoyment or entertainment.
Amusement is a noun used to describe the feeling of enjoyment or pleasure that arises from engaging in entertaining or enjoyable activities or experiences. It refers to the state of being entertained, delighted, or amused by something, leading to a sense of happiness or diversion from routine or dullness.
Amusement can also refer to activities or forms of entertainment that are designed to bring about this feeling. These can include various recreational activities, such as games, sports, puzzles, or any form of entertainment designed to entertain or engage individuals. Amusement parks, carnival rides, and themed attractions are also common examples of sources of amusement.
Moreover, amusement can be found in the form of comedy, jokes, or humorous situations that elicit laughter and light-heartedness. Additionally, watching movies, reading books, attending concerts, or engaging in hobbies can all serve as sources of amusement.
The purpose of amusement is to provide relaxation, diversion, and enjoyment, often as a way to relieve stress or break the monotony of daily life. It elevates mood, stimulates positive emotions, and allows individuals to have a pleasurable and entertaining experience. Overall, amusement is a fundamental part of human life, providing an essential escape from the routine and contributing to one's overall well-being and happiness.
That which diverts; that which entertains pleasantly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "amusement" ultimately derives from the Latin term "amusāre", which means "to divert, entertain, or amuse". This Latin word is a combination of "ad-" (meaning "to") and "mūsāre" (meaning "to occupy oneself, to think about"). The Old French version of the word was "amusement", which referred to diversion or distraction. In the 17th century, the modern English form "amusement" emerged, retaining its meaning of entertainment or enjoyment.