muse

A person who gives an artist ideas and the desire to create.

• His wife was his muse.
• The painter found a new muse in his neighbor.
• She became the muse for several young writers.

Similar words: inspiration

Common phrases: a poet’s muse, someone’s muse, artist and muse

A small opening in a hedge or fence that wild animals regularly pass through.

• The hare slipped through a muse in the hedge.
• We found a muse beside the gate.
• Hunters watched the muse for signs of movement.

Similar words: muset

Common phrases: a narrow muse, muse in something

To think quietly and deeply about something, often forgetting what is happening around you.

• He sat by the window and mused.
• She mused about what life might bring.
• I found him musing over an old photograph.

How to use it: muse on/about/over something (She mused on the choices she had made.)

Similar words: ponder, reflect, contemplate

Common phrases: muse about something, muse on something, muse over something

To say something slowly and thoughtfully, as if considering an idea.

• “Perhaps we should wait,” she mused.
• He mused aloud that the plan might work.
• “I wonder where they went,” mused Anna.

How to use it: muse that… (He mused that a smaller house might suit them better.)

Common phrases: muse aloud, muse that something