ENTERTAIN


Meaning of ENTERTAIN in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˌen-tər-ˈtān ]

verb

Etymology: Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold — more at tenable

Date: 15th century

transitive verb

1.

a. archaic : maintain

b. obsolete : receive

2. : to show hospitality to

entertain guests

3.

a. : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind

I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity

b. : to receive and take into consideration

refused to entertain our plea

4. : to provide entertainment for

entertain ed with songs and stories

5. : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court

intransitive verb

: to provide entertainment especially for guests

Synonyms: see amuse

• en·ter·tain·er noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.