Amusement: quick facts
Amusement is the light, pleasurable emotion sparked by something funny, playful, or absurd. It is the feeling behind smiling and laughter and often arises when an expectation is gently and harmlessly subverted.…
Category
Basic emotions
Valence
Positive
Emotion family / blend
Happiness
Typical triggers
Jokes, playfulness, the absurd, gentle surprises, comic timing
How it's expressed
Smiling, laughter, crinkled eyes, shaking shoulders, light tone
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions; Paul Ekman Group — Universal Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.