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REFERENCE

entertain

v.
US //ˌɛnɝˈteɪn// UK //ˌɛntətˈeɪn// en·ter·tain
  1. 1 to amuse (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to keep someone interested and happy by performing or telling stories.

    to provide amusement or enjoyment to an audience through performance or storytelling.

    Example

    The magician entertained the children with clever card tricks for an hour.

    Example

    The street performer successfully entertained the passing crowds with a sophisticated blend of physical comedy and live music.
  2. 2 to host guests (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have people at your home for a meal, a party, or a visit.

    to receive and provide hospitality for guests, typically in a domestic or professional social setting.

    Example

    They love to entertain friends with big dinners on the weekend.

    Example

    The ambassador frequently entertains foreign dignitaries at his private residence to foster better diplomatic relations.
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  1. 3 to consider an idea (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to think about an idea, a suggestion, or a feeling.

    to give serious thought or consideration to a proposal, idea, or feeling.

    Example

    The boss refused to entertain the idea of working on Sundays.

    Example

    The board of directors declined to entertain the merger proposal, citing significant concerns regarding the long-term stability of the partner firm.
  2. 4 to help a customer (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    to help or assist a person, especially in a shop or on the phone.

    to attend to or assist a customer or visitor; common in specific regional varieties of English.

    Example

    The clerk will entertain your questions once she finishes with this customer.

    Example

    The receptionist was busy entertaining several phone enquiries simultaneously while also managing the queue at the front desk.

    Usage

    Common in Indian, Malaysian, and Philippine English.
Origin

From Middle English entertenen, from Middle French entretenir, from Old French entretenir, from entre (“among”) + tenir (“to hold”), from Latin inter + teneō (“hold, keep”). For the noun, compare French entretien. Sense of answering a phone call in Malaysian English is influenced by Malay layan “to serve, to attend to or engage with something”.

Word family

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