Entertain: meaning, definitions and examples

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entertain

[ ˌɛntərˈteɪn ]

^{Context #1}

enjoyable activity

Provide amusement or enjoyment to (someone) through a medium such as music, film, or theatre.

Synonyms

amuse, captivate, charm, delight

Examples of usage

He entertained the crowd with his jokes.
The magician entertained the children at the birthday party.

^{Context #2}

hosting guests

Receive (someone) as a guest and provide them with food and drink.

Synonyms

host, receive, welcome

Examples of usage

She entertained her friends over the weekend.
We entertained important clients at the company event.

^{Context #3}

consideration or discussion

Give attention or consideration to (an idea, suggestion, or feeling).

Synonyms

consider, contemplate, ponder

Examples of usage

The committee will entertain the proposal at the next meeting.
I'm willing to entertain other options if this one doesn't work out.

Translations

Translations of the word "entertain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entreter

🇮🇳 मनोरंजन करना

🇩🇪 unterhalten

🇮🇩 menghibur

🇺🇦 розважати

🇵🇱 zabawić

🇯🇵 楽しませる

🇫🇷 divertir

🇪🇸 entretener

🇹🇷 eğlendirmek

🇰🇷 즐겁게 하다

🇸🇦 يسلي

🇨🇿 bavit

🇸🇰 zabávať

🇨🇳 娱乐

🇸🇮 zabavati

🇮🇸 skemmta

🇰🇿 көңіл көтеру

🇬🇪 გართობა

🇦🇿 əyləndirmək

🇲🇽 entretener

Word origin

The word 'entertain' originated from the Middle English word 'enterten' which meant 'to maintain, to keep up, to provide with food and lodging'. It has evolved over time to encompass a broader meaning of providing amusement or enjoyment. Entertainment has always been a vital part of human culture, ranging from storytelling around a campfire to the elaborate productions of modern-day entertainment industry.