Entertained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entertained

[หŒษ›ntษ™rหˆteษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past participle

Entertained is the past participle of the verb entertain, meaning to provide amusement or enjoyment. It signifies the state of having engaged someone's attention in an enjoyable manner.

Synonyms

amused, diverted, engaged.

Examples of usage

  • The audience was thoroughly entertained by the magician's performance.
  • She had entertained her guests with delightful stories.
  • The children were entertained with games and activities during the party.
  • He felt entertained after watching the movie.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, various cultures have used storytelling, theater, and dance as means to entertain and create community bonds.
  • Modern entertainment includes everything from movies and television to video games and live performances, highlighting the evolving nature of fun.
  • In many cultures, festivals serve as entertainment and social gatherings, uniting people with food, music, and art.

Psychological Effects

  • Engaging in entertaining activities is known to reduce stress and improve mood, acting as a natural form of therapy.
  • Laughter, often a product of entertainment like comedy, releases endorphins which promote a sense of well-being.
  • Entertainment can stimulate the brain and enhance creativity, as it often introduces new ideas and perspectives.

Pop Culture

  • The entertainment industry is a massive global phenomenon, generating trillions of dollars through films, music, and gaming.
  • Reality TV shows have transformed the way people perceive entertainment, often blurring the lines between real life and scripted scenarios.
  • Major award shows like the Oscars and Grammys celebrate achievements in entertainment, influencing trends and fan engagement worldwide.

Literature

  • Many classic novels, like 'Pride and Prejudice', not only entertain readers but also provide deep insights into society and human behavior.
  • The rise of serial storytelling in literature mirrors the evolving landscape of entertainment, captivating audiences across generations.
  • Authors often use humor and engaging characters to entertain, making difficult themes more relatable and digestible for readers.

Origin of 'entertained'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'entertainere', meaning 'to hold attention', showing how it captivates our interest.
  • It made its way into English in the 14th century, first used in the context of hospitality before becoming linked to enjoyment.
  • Originally, the word was also tied to maintaining or providing for someone, reflecting the idea of keeping someone's spirits up.

The word 'entertained' derives from the Middle French 'entretenir', which means 'to hold among', or 'to maintain'. The verb has its roots in Latin 'intertenere', which combines 'inter-' (among) and 'tenere' (to hold). This etymology reflects the original sense of providing hospitality or engaging someoneโ€™s attention. In Middle English, the term evolved to mean 'to accommodate' or 'to keep in a place', subsequently taking on its current meaning of providing amusement or enjoyment. Over time, the usage of 'entertain' expanded to include various forms of engagement, from hosting events to performing arts, illustrating societal shifts in how entertainment was consumed and valued.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,004 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.