Library / English Dictionary

ENTERTAIN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Take into consideration, have in view

Example:

He entertained the notion of moving to South America

Synonyms:

entertain; flirt with; think about; think of; toy with

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Hypernyms (to "entertain" is one way to...):

contemplate (consider as a possibility)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s VERB-ing

Sense 2

Meaning:

Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

Example:

harbor a resentment

Synonyms:

entertain; harbor; harbour; hold; nurse

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "entertain" is one way to...):

experience; feel (undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 3

Meaning:

Provide entertainment for

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "entertain" is one way to...):

socialise; socialize (take part in social activities; interact with others)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "entertain"):

host (be the host of or for)

amuse; disport; divert (occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sentence examples:

Sam cannot entertain Sue

The performance is likely to entertain Sue

Derivation:

entertainer (a person who tries to please or amuse)

entertainment (an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention)

Credits

 Context examples: 

To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley's heart were entertained.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I would have you to understand that it is a matter of perfect indifference to me, and I refuse to entertain the most remote sense of personal obligation.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Yes, and what you told me on that head, confirmed an idea which I had entertained before.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Contribute your ideas, get interviews with the press or with influential VIPs who are willing to entertain your proposal.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

He was well entertained, and in the evening was taken to the chamber next to the one where the princesses lay in their twelve beds.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

The Palmers returned to Cleveland the next day, and the two families at Barton were again left to entertain each other.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

But as brother and sister often entertain a lively affection towards each other without desiring a more intimate union, may not such also be our case?

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

I recoiled before contemplation of that frightful death, and for a moment I entertained the wild idea of seizing Maud in my arms and leaping overboard.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Our dinner was tête-à-tête, and though my host did his best to be entertaining, his thoughts seemed to continually wander, and he talked so vaguely and wildly that I could hardly understand him.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He would entertain there the factor of Taiohae, captains of wandering traders, and all the best of the South Pacific riffraff.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)