Entertain
/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo provide someone with amusement or enjoyment.
/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/
To provide amusement or enjoyment.
The circus clown entertained the children with his silly antics.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and someone is telling funny stories or doing cool tricks. They're trying to make you have a good time. They're entertaining you! Like a magician with a hat and rabbits!
👶 For kids: To do things that are fun for someone so they can have a good time, like telling jokes or playing games.
More Examples
The movie entertained viewers for two hours.
They entertained us with a beautiful piano recital.
How It's Used
"The comedian entertained the audience with his jokes."
"We entertained guests at our home with dinner and games."
To consider, or give attention to something (an idea, a request, etc.).
/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/
To consider or give attention to something.
The board of directors will not entertain any proposals that go against their policies.
💡 Simply: Think about when you listen to someone's idea, even if you don't fully agree with it. You're giving it a moment of your time. That's like entertaining it. Like when a teacher listens to student's suggestion to change the class's schedule.
👶 For kids: To think about something, like a question or a plan.
More Examples
He entertained the thought of traveling the world.
I won't entertain the idea of quitting my job without having another one lined up.
How It's Used
"The court will not entertain frivolous lawsuits."
"She refused to entertain the idea of moving."
To have guests at one's home.
/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/
To have (a guest) at one's home.
We entertained the visiting dignitaries with a formal reception.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're having friends over for dinner or a game night. You're providing food and fun to make them happy. You're entertaining them! Just like having a sleepover!
👶 For kids: To have people over to your house for fun, like a party!
More Examples
They entertained us with a delicious home-cooked meal.
She enjoys entertaining guests in her garden during the summer.
How It's Used
"They entertained their friends with a lavish dinner party."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
entertain a thought
To consider a particular idea or possibility.
"I didn't entertain the thought of failing the exam."
entertain doubts
To have doubts or suspicions about something.
"I began to entertain doubts about his honesty."
From Middle French entretenir ('to hold, keep, maintain'), from Old French entretenir ('to hold between, support'), from entre- (between) + tenir (to hold).
The word 'entertain' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of holding or maintaining something.
Memory tip
Think of an artist trying to keep your attention with their act. They are ENTERTAINING you!
Word Origin
"to hold"