Sekirov Dictionary

entertain

UK /ˌɛntəˈteɪn/US /ˌɛntɚˈteɪn/

verb 7
noun 2
forms 6

verb7

•
To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.
- to entertain friends with lively conversation
- The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.
•
To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.
- The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.
•
To have someone over at one's home, or some other venue, for a party or visit.
- They enjoy entertaining a lot.
(India, Philippines) To help; to assist; to answer a phone call.
•
(no longer used) To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.
- Intreat 'em fair, and give them friendly speech, And seem to them as if thy sins were great, Till thou hast gotten to be entertain'd. — 1589
•
(no longer used) To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
- O noble English, that could entertain with half their forces the full pride of France — 1599
(no longer used) To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.

noun2

•
(no longer used) Reception of a guest; welcome.
- But neede, that answers not to all requests, / Bad them not looke for better entertayne […] — 1596
•
(no longer used) Entertainment; pleasure.
- And Celso, prethee let it be thy care to night / To haue some pretty shew, to solemnize / Our high instalement, some musike maskerie: / Weele giue faire entertaine vnto Maria […] — 1603

forms

entertain'd · entertained · entertaining · entertaineth · entertains · entertainest

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