entertain
B1Neutral (used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To hold someone's attention in an enjoyable way, often through performance or activity; to amuse, divert, or provide hospitality.
To consider or hold an idea, thought, or feeling in one's mind; to show hospitality by receiving guests; to engage someone's attention agreeably.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb can take both a human object (entertain guests) and an abstract object (entertain an idea). It often implies active effort to please or engage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both use 'entertain' similarly. Minor differences might appear in collocational preferences (e.g., 'entertain at home' might be slightly more common in British English).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply professionalism (as a performer) or social hospitality.
Frequency
Common in both varieties with comparable frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (He entertained the children)SVO with preposition (She entertained us with stories)SV (as performer: He entertains at local clubs)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Entertain an angel unawares (biblical/literary)”
- “Sing for your supper (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing/events: 'The conference will entertain keynote speakers and networking sessions.'
Academic
Used in logic/philosophy: 'The hypothesis is no longer entertained by the scientific community.'
Everyday
Social and media contexts: 'We're entertaining friends this weekend.' or 'The film really entertained me.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used in its standard sense in related fields like performing arts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They hired a magician to entertain the children at the party.
- I wouldn't entertain the thought of moving abroad.
American English
- The comedian entertained the crowd for an hour.
- The jury should not entertain that line of reasoning.
adverb
British English
- The play was entertainingly performed by local actors.
- He spoke entertainingly about his travels.
American English
- The video explainer was entertainingly presented.
- She writes entertainingly about everyday life.
adjective
British English
- He gave a most entertaining after-dinner speech.
- The documentary was surprisingly entertaining.
American English
- She's a very entertaining storyteller.
- It was an entertaining but shallow film.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Clowns entertain children.
- My uncle can entertain us with his guitar.
- We often entertain friends at our flat on weekends.
- The film entertained me for two hours.
- The manager refused to entertain such a radical proposal.
- They entertain lavishly, with multiple courses and fine wine.
- The philosopher entertains the notion that time is an illusion.
- Despite the evidence, she continued to entertain hopes of a reconciliation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TENNIS match being so fun it HOLDS your attention. ENTER-TENNIS -> ENTER-TAIN -> ENTERTAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (for ideas/thoughts); HOSPITALITY IS A PERFORMANCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'развлекать' only; remember the 'consider an idea' meaning ('рассматривать', 'допускать').
- Do not use 'entertain' to mean просто проводить время (to spend time).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'entertain' as a direct synonym for 'have fun' (e.g., 'We entertained at the park' is odd).
- Confusing 'entertaining' (adj) with 'interested' (e.g., 'The book was very entertaining to me' is correct; 'I was entertaining in the book' is wrong).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'entertain' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Indirectly, yes. If you 'entertain clients', it often includes hosting them for a meal, but the core meaning is providing hospitality/amusement, not specifically paying.
'Amuse' often implies causing laughter or light enjoyment. 'Entertain' is broader, covering any activity that holds attention agreeably, from a serious play to a funny show. One can be entertained without being amused.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both formal contexts ('The court will not entertain this motion') and informal ones ('Let's entertain the kids with a game').
It is followed by an abstract object like 'idea', 'thought', 'notion', 'possibility', 'doubt'. The structure is usually 'entertain + [object]' (e.g., 'I won't entertain that argument'). It suggests giving the idea temporary, often reluctant, consideration.