Langimage
English

entertained

|en-ter-tained|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌɛn.tərˈteɪnd/

🇬🇧

/ˌɛn.təˈteɪnd/

(entertain)

amuse or engage

Base FormPluralPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounNounAdjectiveAdverbAdverb
entertainentertainersentertainmentsentertainsentertainsentertainedentertainedentertainingentertainmententertainmentsentertainerentertainedentertaininglyentertainedly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'entertain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'entretenir,' where 'entre-' meant 'among' and 'tenir' meant 'to hold.'

Historical Evolution

'entretenir' transformed into the Middle English word 'entertainen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'entertain.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to hold together or support,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to amuse or engage.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to hold the attention of someone by providing amusement or enjoyment.

The magician entertained the children with his tricks.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to consider or allow oneself to think about an idea or feeling.

She entertained the idea of moving to a new city.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35