ENGLISH
REFERENCE

entertaining

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɛnɝˈteɪnɪŋ// UK //ˌɛntətˈeɪnɪŋ// en·ter·tain·ing Archaic General-service

v. to think about an idea or a plan to see if it is good. It can also mean keeping someone interested or happy by hosting them or performing for them.

v. to consider or give attention to a thought, idea, or feeling; alternatively, to provide amusement or hospitality to guests. Transitive in both its cognitive and social senses.


SIMPLE

The committee is entertaining the idea of a shorter work week.

CONTEXTUAL

The board refused to even begin entertaining the possibility of a merger until the stock price stabilized.

COMPLEX

While the philosopher was known for entertaining radical theories in his private journals, his public lectures remained strictly traditional and focused on established historical facts.

Synonyms
Origin

From entertain + -ing.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as an idea, a guest, or an audience.

Pitfall

He is entertaining about the guests.He is entertaining the guests.Entertaining is a transitive verb; it acts directly on the object without a preposition.

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