Words / B1

ent-uh-TAYN/ˌentəˈteɪn/

To entertain is to keep people interested and amused, or to have guests. Amuse is a close twin for the first sense; host is closer for guests. Halls: the hall may entertain visiting primaries; it is not a nightclub licence.

Meaning

To keep people interested and amused; also to have guests.

Examples

• “The hall may entertain visiting primary schools; it is not a nightclub licence.”
• “Entertain an idea is a formal sense: consider it, not put on a show.”

Good to know

entertain someone with / to dinner. Noun: entertainment (often uncountable). Close: amuse / host. Licensing / events. Mix-up: enter is to go in.

Near in meaning

amuse, host

New