Cool MateDivert vs Entertain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Divert
Entertain
| Divert | Entertain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/daɪˈvɜːt/","/daɪˈvɜːts/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/daɪˈvɜːrt/","/daɪˈvɜːrts/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌentəˈteɪn/","/ˌentəˈteɪnz/","/ˌentəˈteɪnd/","/ˌentəˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌentərˈteɪn/","/ˌentərˈteɪnz/","/ˌentərˈteɪnd/","/ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away | To keep someone interested and happy, usually by performing or providing something fun. |
| Example | The course of the stream has now been diverted. | The magician was able to entertain the audience with his incredible tricks. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | divert traffic, divert attention, divert resources, divert funds, divert a conversation | thoroughly, with, entertain and educate, entertain and enlighten, entertain and inform, lavishly, to, seriously, briefly, be prepared to, be willing to, refuse to |
| Antonyms | direct, maintain, focus | bore, displease, annoy |
| Common mistakes | 'Divert' used without an object (e.g., saying 'He will divert.' instead of 'He will divert traffic.'), Confusing 'divert' with 'divide' where learners might think they mean the same thing., Using 'divert' in a context where 'entertain' or 'amuse' would be more appropriate. | Confusing with 'entertainment' — use 'entertain' for actions, 'entertainment' for nouns., Using 'entertain' without an object — it always needs someone to entertain., Mistaking 'entertain' for 'retain' — they have different meanings. |
| Usage notes | Use 'divert' when discussing redirecting something, like traffic or attention. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but is less common in casual conversations. | Use 'entertain' when referring to activities that amuse or hold someone's attention, like shows or games. Avoid in very formal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Divert vs Entertain
What's the difference between Divert and Entertain?
Divert: to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away Entertain: To keep someone interested and happy, usually by performing or providing something fun.
Which is more advanced: Divert and Entertain?
Divert is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Divert and Entertain the same CEFR level?
Divert: C1, Entertain: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Divert and Entertain?
Divert: verb, Entertain: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Divert: The course of the stream has now been diverted. Entertain: The magician was able to entertain the audience with his incredible tricks.
Can I use Divert and Entertain interchangeably?
Not always. Divert and Entertain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.