51³Ô¹Ï

Advertisement

View synonyms for

entertain

[en-ter-teyn]

verb (used with object)

  1. to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.

    Synonyms: ,
    Antonyms:
  2. to have as a guest; provide food, lodging, etc., for; show hospitality to.

  3. to admit into the mind; consider.

    He never entertained such ideas.

    Antonyms:
  4. to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish.

    They secretly entertained thoughts of revenge.

  5. Archaic.Ìýto maintain or keep up.

  6. Obsolete.Ìýto give admittance or reception to; receive.



verb (used without object)

  1. to exercise hospitality; entertain company; provide entertainment for guests.

    They loved to talk, dance, and entertain.

entertain

/ ˌɛ²Ô³Ùəˈ³Ù±ðɪ²Ô /

verb

  1. to provide amusement for (a person or audience)

  2. to show hospitality to (guests)

  3. (tr) to hold in the mind

    to entertain an idea

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other 51³Ô¹Ï Forms

  • overentertained adjective
  • preentertain verb (used with object)
  • unentertained adjective
  • well-entertained adjective
Discover More

51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of entertain1

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English entertenen “to hold mutually,†from Middle French entretenir, ultimately from Vulgar Latin ¾±²Ô³Ù±ð°ù³Ù±ð²Ôŧ°ù±ð (unrecorded), from Latin inter- inter- + ³Ù±ð²Ôŧ°ù±ð “to holdâ€
Discover More

51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of entertain1

C15: from Old French entretenir, from entre- mutually + tenir to hold, from Latin ³Ù±ð²Ôŧ°ù±ð
Discover More

Synonym Study

See amuse.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

When you gather the creative minds behind six of the most entertaining and acclaimed shows of 2025, the conversation is destined for narrative intrigue.

From

“Wildfire Days†is not as sweeping or scientific; it’s more personal and entertaining.

From

Frank has been hugely successful in establishing the Bees in the Premier League while playing high-intensity, entertaining football - catching the eye of hard-to-please Levy.

From

“We are bringing this action today to protect the hard work of all the artists whose work entertains and inspires us and the significant investment we make in our content.â€

From

Australia fight back with the ball after being bowled out for 212 as 14 wickets fall on an entertaining first day of the ICC Test Championship final at Lord's.

From

Advertisement

Related 51³Ô¹Ïs

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


enterprisingentertainer