'amuse' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amuser,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'muser' meant 'stare fixedly.'

'amuser' transformed into the English word 'amuse,' and eventually led to the formation of 'amusiveness' in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'to divert or entertain,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.