entertain

Definition

to amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably

Etymology

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”.

Example Sentences

• "to entertain friends with lively conversation"
• "The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience."
• "They enjoy entertaining a lot."