B1verb 2K

Entertain

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌentəˈteɪn/","/ˌentəˈteɪnz/","/ˌentəˈteɪnd/","/ˌentəˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌentərˈteɪn/","/ˌentərˈteɪnz/","/ˌentərˈteɪnd/","/ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Entertain

to interest somebody or make somebody laugh in order to please them

In simple words: To keep someone interested and happy, usually by performing or providing something fun.

Entertain in a sentence

• The magician was able to entertain the audience with his incredible tricks.
• She loves to entertain guests at her home with good food and music.
• He could not entertain the thought of giving up on his dreams.
• They organize events to entertain children during the summer holidays.
• The film aims to entertain while also delivering a powerful message.

How to use Entertain

Use 'entertain' when referring to activities that amuse or hold someone's attention, like shows or games. Avoid in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

entertain + object

Memory hint

Think of 'enter-tain' as bringing fun inside a tent.

Related words

Collocations with Entertain

• thoroughly
• with
• entertain and educate
• entertain and enlighten
• entertain and inform
• lavishly
• to
• seriously
• briefly
• be prepared to
• be willing to
• refuse to

Synonyms for Entertain

• amuse
• delight
• divert
• occupy
• engage

Opposites of Entertain

• bore
• displease
• annoy

Common mistakes with Entertain

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Entertain

What does Entertain mean?

To keep someone interested and happy, usually by performing or providing something fun.

What is the definition of Entertain?

to interest somebody or make somebody laugh in order to please them

How do you use Entertain in a sentence?

The magician was able to entertain the audience with his incredible tricks.

Can you give another example of Entertain?

She loves to entertain guests at her home with good food and music.

What are synonyms for Entertain?

Common alternatives include amuse, delight, divert, occupy, engage.

What is the opposite of Entertain?

Opposite meanings include bore, displease, annoy.

What words go with Entertain?

It commonly pairs with thoroughly, with, entertain and educate, entertain and enlighten, entertain and inform, lavishly, to, seriously, briefly, be prepared to, be willing to, refuse to.

What are common mistakes when using Entertain?

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.

How do you pronounce Entertain?

US: /["/ˌentərˈteɪn/","/ˌentərˈteɪnz/","/ˌentərˈteɪnd/","/ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌentəˈteɪn/","/ˌentəˈteɪnz/","/ˌentəˈteɪnd/","/ˌentəˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Entertain?

Use 'entertain' when referring to activities that amuse or hold someone's attention, like shows or games. Avoid in very formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Entertain?

"Entertain" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.