I used to assume "bemused" meant amused in a distant sort of way: you know, so and so was bemused, watching as X tried to explain himself to Y.
Then I found out its real meaning, but the other, incorrect sense, is occasionally so strong and, despite being incorrect, so concisely encapsulates the sense I mean that I'll use it incorrectly because I can assume most other people will take it as intended.
On the flip side of that coin, because it seems like the word usually is associated with some form of amusement, I've also tended to avoid using it when I could correctly say "So and so was deeply absorbed in thought" because of the potential for confusion.
Bemused by this
Then I found out its real meaning, but the other, incorrect sense, is occasionally so strong and, despite being incorrect, so concisely encapsulates the sense I mean that I'll use it incorrectly because I can assume most other people will take it as intended.
On the flip side of that coin, because it seems like the word usually is associated with some form of amusement, I've also tended to avoid using it when I could correctly say "So and so was deeply absorbed in thought" because of the potential for confusion.
Dwim