muse
muse Lexical Profile
muse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person or personified force that serves as the primary source of creative inspiration for an artist, writer, or musician.
"The painter regarded his lifelong companion as the primary muse behind his most celebrated portraits."
In Greek and Roman mythology, any of the nine sister goddesses born to Zeus and Mnemosyne who preside over the arts, literature, and sciences (usually capitalized).
"Ancient epic poets traditionally opened their works by invoking a Muse to guide their storytelling."
A state or period of deep, quiet reflection or dreamy abstraction.
"Lost in a quiet muse by the window, he barely noticed the afternoon fading into evening."
• verb
To become absorbed in thought, or to consider something thoughtfully and at length.
"She sat on the porch and mused on how much the neighborhood had changed over the decades."
To say or comment on something in a thoughtful, reflective, or speculative manner.
""I wonder what might have happened if we had taken the other road," he mused aloud."
• Rhymes for muse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives via Old French and Latin from Ancient Greek 'Mousa', denoting any of the nine sister goddesses who presided over song, poetry, and the arts. The verb comes independently from Old French 'muser' (to ponder or loiter), likely derived from 'mus' (snout), evoking the image of a hunting dog holding its nose in the air while scenting or hesitating.