Entertain
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: /ˌɛntəˈteɪn/
- GenAm IPA: /ˌɛntɚˈteɪn/
- Rhymes: -eɪn
Origin
From Old French entretenir, from entre ("among") + tenir ("to hold"), from Latin inter + teneÅ ("hold, keep"). For the noun, compare French entretien.
Full definition of entertain
Verb
- (transitive) To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.to entertain friends with lively conversationThe motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.
- (transitive and intransitive) To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.They enjoy entertaining a lot.
- Bible, Heb. xiii. 2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers...
- (transitive) To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.to entertain a proposal
- De QuinceyI am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke.
- HawthorneA rumour gained ground, — and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people.
- (obsolete) To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.
- ShakespeareYou, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred.
- (obsolete) To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
- (obsolete) To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.
- Jeremy Taylorto baptize all nations, and entertain them into the services and institutions of the holy Jesus
Derived terms
Noun
entertain
(uncountable)- (obsolete) Entertainment; pleasure.
- (obsolete) Reception of a guest; welcome.
- 1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, IV.8:But neede, that answers not to all requests,
Bad them not looke for better entertayne ….